The recent decision by the United States government to extend the validity of multiple-entry visas for Liberian passport holders from one to three years has stirred mixed reactions across Liberia. While some view the move as a diplomatic win, others argue it is not cause for national celebration.
The Political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Mr. Simeon Freeman has publicly questioned the celebratory tone surrounding the announcement. In a strongly worded statement titled “US Visa Extension – Should We Celebrate or Not?”, Freeman argued that the move, while beneficial to a select few, does not warrant national celebration.
“Visa extension is a simple diplomatic process of reciprocity,” Freeman wrote. “For example, Indian passport holders enjoy 10 years multiple entries, while Ghanaians get 5 years.” He emphasized that such arrangements are common in international diplomacy and should not be mistaken for major national achievements.
Freeman pointed out that the primary beneficiaries of the extension are Liberian government officials who hold diplomatic passports. “Obviously they should rejoice since new opportunities to spend public resources are now available,” he said, suggesting that the change may encourage unnecessary travel at the expense of taxpayers.
He also highlighted the limited reach of the policy, noting that “out of the possible three million Liberian passport holders, less than ten thousand hold multiple US visas.” While acknowledging the goodwill of the US government, Freeman insisted that “the answer is a resounding no” when asked whether the gesture deserves national celebration.
Instead, he called for a shift in focus toward domestic accomplishments. “We must celebrate tangible national domestic achievements and not ceremonial bilateral exchanges,” he stated.
He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reduce its annual budget of USD $20 million and adopt more creative, cost-effective diplomatic strategies. “Her current choices like UN Security Council seat and visa extension are not achievements,” he added, referring to the foreign minister’s recent initiatives.
Mr. Freeman also raised concerns about public awareness and potential misunderstandings. He warned that without proper explanation from the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), many Liberians might misinterpret the visa extension as a guarantee of easier access to the United States. “America will eat visa fees on lack of knowledge,” he cautioned. “Denial will increase because many people do not have substantial reasons to return to Liberia, and America knows that.”
He further noted that when Ghana received a similar extension, the US Embassy in Accra issued an official release.
“We are yet to see or hear an official release from US Embassy near Monrovia,” Freeman observed, adding that the negotiation may have been influenced by the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, whose lawyers have stated that their client will not be coming to Liberia. His reaction highlights the need for recalibration of national priorities—one that values substantive achievements over symbolic gestures in foreign relations.
