Mauritius challenges US visa bond program, citing low overstay rates

The letter argues that Mauritius has strong grounds to request a review, given its low overstay rate. The Visa Bond Program, launched as a pilot on August 20, 2025, was expanded to 50 countries, including Mauritius on April 2, 2026. On August 3, the program became permanent, with bond amounts increasing to $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000.

In Mauritius, the maximum bond is approximately 940,000 rupees, which is refundable if the traveler complies with visa conditions. However, this requirement is a significant financial barrier for many Mauritian families, particularly those visiting children studying in the US. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Mauritius had an overstay rate of 0.85% for the fiscal year 2024, with 30 overstays out of 3,509 expected departures.

This compliance rate of over 99% is significantly lower than the rates of several other countries on the list, questioning the program's stated objective of combating high overstay rates. The letter suggests that the Mauritian government should formally inquire about the specific criteria that led to its inclusion in the program. It also speculates on potential geopolitical factors, such as the Chagos Archipelago issue or Mauritius's relations with India and China, though it notes there is no proof these