Washington, D.C. – March 14, 2025 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at foreign government officials involved in the forced return of Uyghurs and other ethnic or religious groups at risk to China, where they face severe human rights abuses.
The U.S. is immediately applying this policy to current and former officials from the Government of Thailand, who are accused of being complicit in the forced return of 40 Uyghurs to China on February 27, 2025.
“Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to officials responsible for, or complicit in, the forced return of Uyghurs and members of other ethnic or religious groups to China,” Rubio said in a statement. “We are committed to combating China’s efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subjected to torture and enforced disappearances.”
The announcement underscores the U.S. government’s continued efforts to address China’s actions against Uyghurs, which include allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity. Rubio called on governments around the world to cease the practice of forced returns to China, urging international accountability for such violations.
This visa restriction policy is authorized under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, enabling the Department of State to impose visa bans on individuals involved in such forced returns. In addition to the targeted officials, certain family members may also be affected by these restrictions.
The U.S. has previously condemned China’s treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities, with the new policy marking another step in efforts to hold foreign officials accountable for complicity in these human rights violations.
