India, Aug. 6 -- The US government is launching a new pilot programme that will require some applicants for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas from specific countries to post a refundable bond of up to USD 15,000 (INR 13,17,360). The programme, which is expected to begin on August 20, is a renewed effort to crack down on visa overstays and enhance border security.

The specific countries affected by this new rule have not yet been announced, but the list is expected to be published before the programme's launch. This initiative, similar to a programme proposed in 2020 but never fully implemented due to the pandemic, is likely to impact travellers from the targeted nations by making the visa obtaining process even harder.

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