World · Latin America · 4 hrs ago
Visa restrictions leave African Miss Universe contestants in limbo
Contestants from Zambia and the Republic of Congo have withdrawn from this year’s Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico after failing to obtain US visas.
Zimbabwe’s Roseanna Hall and South Sudan’s Adut Deng are still waiting for travel documents, and their participation remains uncertain.
US travel restrictions affect people from several African countries, with rules varying by country and visa type.
The restrictions were imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration, which expanded them last December to include Zambia and Zimbabwe and maintained a full entry suspension for nationals of the Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
The visa problems may limit which countries can take part in the pageant’s 75th edition, expected to draw up to 120 contestants.
The winner is due to be crowned on November 24 in Puerto Rico, after preliminary events that include a national costume competition on November 21.
Two African contestants have withdrawn from this year’s Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico after failing to secure US visas, while contestants from Zimbabwe and South Sudan are still awaiting visas.
The United States’ travel restrictions affect dozens of countries, including several in Africa.
Zambia and the Republic of Congo have withdrawn their representatives from the pageant.
Zimbabwe’s Roseanna Hall and South Sudan’s Adut Deng face uncertainty over whether they can attend.
The pageant’s final is scheduled for 24 November.
- Who
- African Miss Universe contestants from Zambia, the Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and South Sudan.
- What
- Two contestants have withdrawn after failing to obtain US visas, and two others are still awaiting visas.
- When
- The competition takes place this month, with its final scheduled for 24 November.
- Where
- Puerto Rico, a US territory.
- Why
- US travel restrictions have made it difficult or impossible for some contestants to secure visas.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
US travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998 took effect.
Pamela Mubanga was crowned Miss Universe Zambia, according to the BBC.
Contestants began arriving in Puerto Rico, according to the BBC.
Reports said Zambia and the Republic of Congo had withdrawn their representatives, while contestants from Zimbabwe and South Sudan were still awaiting visas.
A national costume competition is scheduled.
The pageant winner is scheduled to be crowned.
- Countries with withdrawn contestants
- Zambia and the Republic of Congo
- Contestants still awaiting visas
- Roseanna Hall of Zimbabwe and Adut Deng of South Sudan
- Zimbabwe restrictions
- Partial US travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998
- Pageant edition
- 75th
- Scheduled final
- 24 November, in San Juan
3 sources
What people are saying
She earned her crown, she earned her title, and she deserves the opportunity to represent the nation she proudly serves
We have been back and forth, trying to get my visa approved
It is 50/50 whether we will make it, Miss Universe