Bhutan’s Unexpected Position on the U.S. Travel Ban List
The Trump administration is contemplating a travel ban that may include Bhutan, a small Himalayan nation known for its Gross National Happiness advocacy and minimal global security threats. Concerns arise due to high overstay rates among Bhutanese nationals in the U.S. and a recent immigration fraud case. Despite economic challenges, Bhutan emphasizes cultural preservation and sustainability in its policies.
The Trump administration is reportedly contemplating travel restrictions on numerous countries, with Bhutan emerging as a surprising contender on a potential list. This small Himalayan country, renowned for its emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH) and its commitment to a peaceful foreign policy, predominantly enjoys a low global profile and minimal security threats. Bhutan has only engaged with foreign tourism since the late 20th century, maintaining stringent controls to protect its unique cultural identity.
As concerns regarding Bhutan’s inclusion in the U.S. travel ban circulate, the educational consultancy EduYoung Happyness has clarified through social media that such inclusion is under review and not yet finalized. They encourage individuals to remain composed and await formal updates from responsible authorities, reiterating that the proposed restrictions will solely affect travel to the U.S., leaving access to nations like Australia and New Zealand untouched.
Situated between India and China, Bhutan is a landlocked nation with a GDP per capita of $3,711. The country shifted to a constitutional monarchy in 2007 and has adopted GNH, prioritizing sustainable development over industrialization. Despite this commitment, Bhutan grapples with economic challenges, leading to many young citizens seeking opportunities abroad.
Bhutan’s increased migration rates may attract U.S. scrutiny, notwithstanding its image as a peaceful nation. The Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 fiscal report indicates an alarming 26.6% overstay rate among Bhutanese students and exchange visitors. Furthermore, 12.7% of business or tourist visa holders overstayed in the U.S., raising concerns about immigration compliance. A recent immigration fraud incident involving Nepalese nationals impersonating Bhutanese refugees to enter the U.S. has exacerbated skepticism surrounding Bhutanese migration patterns.
The nation’s economy predominantly relies on hydropower and tourism, both of which have faced recent challenges. Bhutan’s sustainable development fee for tourists, originally set at $65 in 1991, was increased to $200 in 2022 but has since been reduced to $100. The tourism sector saw only 145,065 visitors in 2024, markedly lower than the 2019 peak of 315,000.
Several issues are prompting increased emigration from Bhutan: high youth unemployment, which reached 19% in 2024; a struggling tourism sector in recovery post-pandemic; and strong economic dependencies on India that limit job creation. In 2023, 1.5% of Bhutan’s population migrated to Australia, now the favored destination for Bhutanese students. Additionally, there is a growing interest among Bhutanese youth and professionals in migrating to the U.S.
Bhutan’s GNH framework measures national progress through various well-being indicators instead of traditional economic metrics like GDP. The GNH Index assesses living standards, health, education, environmental sustainability, community support, time use, psychological well-being, governance, and cultural resilience. Each domain features 33 specific indicators that contribute to an overall GNH score, which has improved from 0.743 in 2010 to 0.781 in 2022. Influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism, Bhutan’s GNH principles emphasize mindfulness and balance, although debates persist regarding the validity and standardization of happiness measurements.
The potential inclusion of Bhutan on the U.S. travel ban list raises questions given the country’s peaceful reputation and commitment to Gross National Happiness. This situation is reflective of broader immigration challenges, as Bhutan faces increasing emigration rates and scrutiny due to recent incidents of visa overstays and migration fraud. Despite economic setbacks in critical sectors such as tourism, Bhutan continues to prioritize cultural preservation and sustainable development. While concerns exist regarding U.S. travel policy implications, the impact on Bhutan’s relationships with other countries remains unclear.
Original Source: skift.com
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