Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has expressed frustration over numerous reports suggesting that Liberia may have been placed under visa restrictions by the United States government.
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has been discussing visa restrictions and mass deportation, but it emphasized that visa screening continues even after a visa is issued.
On Monday, March 17, 2025, during her appearance before the Senate Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, Security, and Intelligence, Minister Nyanti stated that the government was surprised by the social media reports and immediately contacted the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, to confirm the validity of the information.
Minister Nyanti informed the senators that Ambassador Toner indicated he had no knowledge of any visa restrictions imposed on Liberia and would seek clarification on the matter.
“We have issued a démarche to the U.S. government regarding the information we heard from The New York Times, which was reported as a draft, and we aren’t sure if it’s true,” Minister Nyanti said. “However, if it is true, the government has provided several reasons why Liberia should not be on such a list,” she added.
She cautioned against accepting unverified reports as fact while reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to enhancing its diplomatic and passport security measures. In the démarche, Liberia communicated its request for assistance from the U.S. to strengthen the country’s diplomatic passport system.
Regarding the Foreign Services, Minister Nyanti emphasized the need for improvement in this area. She revealed that the government has been approached by the U.S. on several occasions, highlighting weaknesses in the sector and stressing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the Foreign Service.
According to her, the government will use this as an entry point to review the Foreign Service and identify areas that require attention, adding that the Government of Liberia is working to ensure there is a rotation within the Foreign Service to better meet the needs of the country’s representation.
By Tonita N. Copson
