The US State Department has announced that it will be imposing sanctions on officials of various travel agencies in Africa who are alleged to be involved in illegal migration.
In a statement issued by the Department's spokesperson, Matthew Miller, the agencies were illegally facilitating the transit of individuals to the US through Europe.
The US government, therefore, cautioned Africans to be weary of some of the companies involved in the illegal trade.
It was revealed that the victims of these illicit dealings were vulnerable people and often found themselves in harm's way during the transit.
"The United States is imposing visa restrictions today on multiple executives of travel agencies in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East," read the statement in part.
"These companies prey on vulnerable people by operating services designed primarily to facilitate irregular migration to the United States through countries in Europe and the Western Hemisphere.
Further, it was revealed that US authorities would be collaborating with various security agencies across the continent to expose the officials na owners of the travel agencies.
"We will continue to engage with partner governments and the private sector to end this exploitative practice, which puts vulnerable people in harm’s way," the State Department added.
"Our visa restriction policy is part of our comprehensive approach to reducing irregular migration and targets owners, executives, and senior officials of companies providing travel services and transportation by land, sea, or charter air designed to facilitate irregular migration to the United States. These are restrictions pursuant to section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,"
For one to be allowed to the US, they need to obtain relevant travel documentation such as a visa.
