On November 3, 1997, President Clinton signed an Executive Order imposing comprehensive economic sanctions against Sudan. The State Department has recently issued a cable assessing the impact of the sanctions on visa adjudication.

The Executive Order prohibits the importation into the US of any goods or services of Sudanese origin. It also prohibits the performance of contracts in support of projects in Sudan and facilitating exportation of goods, technology or services to Sudan.

The State Department memo states that the following types of visa applications are affected by the sanctions:

- individuals whose trip to the US is being sponsored, supported and/or paid for by the government of Sudan;

- individuals coming to the US to engage in any type of business in any way involving Sudan;

- individuals applying to work in the US; and

- individuals who through their proposed activities in the US may have access to sensitive technology (including students, conference attendees, training program attendees, etc.).

The State Department noted that A and G visa applicants are not likely to be affected by the sanctions.

If the post feels the applicant is otherwise eligible for a visa but is affected by the sanctions, it should send the following information to the State Department headquarters:

- source of financial support for US trip

- current occupation and employer

- specific activities planned in the US

- employment and academic history

- areas of interest, expertise or study

- any comments on the applicant's ties to the Government of Sudan or the proposed visit

The State Department will then provide instructions to the consular officer.