The US State Department has confirmed that it exempts certain South Africans from its blanket travel ban. At the end of January, the Biden administration announced that no-one from our shores could visit America unless they were a US citizen.
However, just a few days ago, government officials confirmed that a cohort of SA workers would be allowed into the country. Those in possession of the H-2A visa and certain H-2B travelers will be granted an exemption to travel and operate in the USA, given that they play an essential role in securing the country’s food chain.
Last year, about 5 000 South African workers travelled to USA to help farmers in the early planting season, which starts in February across most Southern states.
Those who will have travel ban exemptions this year include: Seafood processors, Salmon roe technicians, Agriculture equipment operators, Farm equipment mechanics, Fish cutters and any other farmworkers listed as essential for the food supply chain.
Zippy Duvall, the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, affirmed that the skills possessed by these South African specialists are ‘valuable and unique’, lauding the role they play in feeding US residents.
“The H-2 program is essential to the economy and food security of the United States and is a national security priority. Therefore, we intend to continue processing H-2 applications for individuals who provide temporary labor or services essential to the United States food supply chain. as permitted by post resources and local government restrictions,” the US State Department announced in a statement.
