President Khurelsukh Expresses Gratitude for the Successful Implementation of the National Movements www.montsame.mn

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa was welcomed by local authorities and an honor guard from the Ulgii military garrison upon his arrival in Bayan-Ulgii aimag.

The President attended a ceremonial gathering dedicated to the Nauryz Festival, extending his greetings to the Kazakh community and wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity on the occasion of the spring celebration.

He briefed attendees on the implementation of his policies and initiatives, as well as on the progress of programs and draft legislation he has proposed, including the bill related to the recall of Members of Parliament, and the country’s current socio-economic situation. He highlighted the successful implementation of national movements and programs such as “Food Revolution,” “Billions of Trees,” “Healthy Mongolian,” “White Gold,” and the “Ilgeelt-2100” program. He expressed appreciation for the significant contributions made by the leadership of Bayan-Ulgii aimag, as well as the cooperation between public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and the dedicated efforts of citizens.

Governor Zangar Yo. noted that the people of Bayan-Ulgii had successfully overcome the winter and were welcoming the spring festival with optimism and confidence in further strengthening their achievements. Providing an overview of the President’s initiatives and ongoing development efforts in the aimag, he stated:

“As a result of the ‘Food Revolution’ movement, 83 enterprises have received loans totaling MNT 12 billion and are now engaged in intensified livestock farming, animal slaughtering, meat processing, and the production of dairy and flour-based products. Bayan-Ulgii aimag has previously met its own demand for potatoes and vegetables and even exported surplus to neighboring countries. Although there was a period when imported vegetables were consumed, agriculture has been revived through the ‘Food Revolution’ and the ‘Atar IV Campaign.’ By next autumn, the aimag aims to meet 70 percent of its potato demand and 25 percent of its vegetable demand domestically. Under the ‘President’s Scholar-2100’ scholarship program, more than 20 students from the aimag are studying in the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Türkiye, the United States of America, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Kazakhstan.”

Citizens expressed their support for the President’s policies, activities, and proposed programs and legislation, including the draft law on recalling Members of Parliament, which has drawn significant public attention. They also raised concerns over increasing air pollution in Ulgii city and emphasized the need for concrete measures, such as engaging senior citizens in the care and maintenance of planted trees and expanding the use of renewable energy at the household level.

In 2025, Bayan-Ulgii aimag commissioned a wastewater treatment plant, reinforced concrete bridges, roads, power supply facilities in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and in Bulgan, Altantsogts, and Bugat soums, a 100-bed general hospital in the aimag center, a 150-bed hospital in Ulaankhus soum, a 120-bed hospital in Ulgii soum, new 50-bed kindergartens in Nogoonnuur and Bulgan soums, and paved roads in Deluun and Bugat soums. This year, construction is set to begin on a tourism and sports complex, housing for civil servants, and 100-bed kindergarten buildings in Ulgii, Altantsogts, and Altai soums.

The President expressed his gratitude to the hardworking people of Bayan-Ulgii aimag, who have consistently made valuable contributions to both regional and national development and have actively participated in the successful implementation of the national movements he has initiated. He wished success to local authorities and citizens, urging them to consolidate their achievements, uphold unity, support what is right, and continue striving for the development of Mongolia.

Water Agency Ordered to Collect Water Pollution Fees from 'Oyu Tolgoi' LLC www.montsame.mn

Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav visited the Water Agency, a government implementing agency, in observance of World Water Day.

​Last year, 682 million cubic meters of water were used nationwide. However, water pollution fees were paid for only 252 million cubic meters—roughly one-third of the total—amounting to MNT 7.5 billion. Had these fees been collected in full, more than MNT 20 billion could have been concentrated in the state budget in 2025.

​"Oyu Tolgoi" LLC, one of the top ten water consumers in the country, has not paid a single tugrug in water pollution fees over the past 15 years. According to Batbayar Zeneemyadar, Head of the Water Agency, if the company's water pollution fees for 2020–2025 were calculated based on the standards applied to the Erdenet Mining Corporation, the total would reach MNT 5.1 billion. He noted that Oyu Tolgoi LLC explains their position by stating they have no such obligation under their current contract.

​Prime Minister Zandanshatar expressed his stance that there are full legal grounds to collect water pollution fees from the company based on the UN Water Convention, Sustainable Development Goals, and existing domestic laws. He stated, "It is time to organize and uniformly enforce the international principle that 'the provider is the protector, and the polluter pays.'"

​Consequently, the Government Press Office reported that the Prime Minister has ordered the Water Agency to collect fees in accordance with the law from all water-polluting companies, not just Oyu Tolgoi.

Giorgi Tvalavadze: Mongolian firms are ready to compete and win contracts not only in Mongolia but also internationally www.gogo.mn

We invited Giorgi Tvalavadze, a citizen of Georgia, to our “Mongolia Through Foreign Eyes” interview segment.

Full name: Giorgi Tvalavadze
Nationality: Georgian
Length of stay in Mongolia: 7 years
Current position: Procurement Agent Manager at the Millennium Challenge Account Mongolia, and Manager at the UK-based consulting firm Charles Kendall International Corporation
Can you share your first impressions of Mongolia? 
In 2019, I arrived in Mongolia. Before coming here, I already had some information and very positive expectations, because many of my friends and international business partners had worked here before. 

They all had very good experiences in the country. I knew Mongolia was a beautiful country, but when I arrived, my impression was even better than I had expected. 

First, I met my wonderful team members. I also noticed how warm and friendly people were — not only colleagues, but also people I met in the streets and at the hotel when I first arrived. Even strangers interacted with each other in a very friendly way. 

I also have a wonderful team here, one of the best teams I have ever worked with. I have worked in many countries before, but Mongolia has unique nature, food, and hospitality that are strongly connected with traditions and family gatherings. 

I was invited many times to family celebrations during Tsagaan Sar and other holidays. So, I am very happy to be here. I have made many friends, and even after this program ends, I will definitely come back. 

It's nice to hear that, sir. You mentioned about the Mongolian nature. I hope you have already got a chance to travel in Mongolia, so what are some of the travel destinations that has left you a lasting impression? 
I think Mongolia is a very big country with many different and beautiful landscapes that vary from region to region. I am from Georgia, so I love mountains. I saw wonderful mountains here for hiking, even around Ulaanbaatar and in the countryside. 

I also saw the beautiful lakes in the north. I haven't had the chance to visit the Gobi Desert yet, but I am planning to go there this summer. 

I have visited several regions close to Ulaanbaatar, as well as some areas farther away in the west and the north. The lakes and forests there are especially beautiful. Overall, it is very impressive. I can say that summer and spring in Mongolia are wonderful. 

It is neither too hot nor too cold, and the climate is very comfortable. Even the winter is not as cold as some people think. As I mentioned, I have worked in other countries such as Moldova and Ukraine, where winters are very harsh and humid. I actually felt the cold there much more than in Mongolia. 

I also had the opportunity to work in tropical countries like Indonesia for many years, and that was quite challenging. Without winter, life can also be difficult. 

THE COMPACT PROGRAM ENSURES THAT MONGOLIA HAS RELIABLE AND CLEAN WATER RESOURCES FOR THE YEARS TO COME 

Can you please tell us about some unique aspects of your work?
We are procurement agents for MCA Mongolia, and I represent Charles Kendall International Corporation, which has headquarters in the UK and the USA. 

Our role is to manage and implement all procurement activities under the Compact. This includes the procurement planning, implementation and contract administration stages. 

Procurement is extremely important in large programs like this because we are managing public funds. For us, it is essential to conduct procurement according to MCC procurement guidelines and international public procurement standards. 

Most importantly, we strictly follow the fundamental principles of public procurement: fairness, transparency, honesty, accountability, and competition. 

skip-share
I believe MCA Mongolia has done an excellent job in increasing the capacity of local firms. Many Mongolian companies have learned international standards and best practices through this process. 

Our major role is to enhance competition so that Mongolia receives the best value for money. This means achieving the best possible quality at the best price. 

 We are happy to have very strong procedures and excellent cooperation with the procurement director and the entire procurement team at MCA Mongolia. We are very fortunate to work with such a professional team. 

 One of our key responsibilities is preparing procurement documents. We ensure that the solicitation documents issued to the market clearly describe the process and maintain full transparency. 

 The information is distributed to all market participants, and we conduct a very fair evaluation process. The evaluation is based on objective and measurable requirements that are clearly stated in the solicitation of documents. 

Because of this approach, we have strong competition in our procurements, and many Mongolian firms have won contracts. Over time, we have built strong trust with the market. Companies know that our evaluation process is objective and fair, and we rarely receive challenges to our results. 

Another important aspect is that we apply international standards and best practices without making requirements restrictive. Our role is to ensure that qualified companies have a fair opportunity to participate. 

I believe MCA Mongolia has done an excellent job in increasing the capacity of local firms. Many Mongolian companies have learned international standards and best practices through this process. 

Today, many Mongolian firms are ready to compete and win contracts not only in Mongolia but also internationally. 

This program brings many benefits — not only through infrastructure and facilities, but also through knowledge transfer and institutional development for Mongolia. 

How active are Mongolian local companies in participating in the procurements published by the MCA-Mongolia? What are some of the advantages of the Mongolian companies and what are some things that they must pay more attention to? 
One of the biggest challenges in the beginning was the local firms’ unfamiliarity of MCC’s procurement process and procedures. MCC procurement guidelines, bidding documents, and response forms are all based on international best practices. For many companies, this documentation format is new. They had to prepare proposals according to detailed instructions included in the solicitation documents.  

Another challenge was that all documents had to be prepared in English. Contracts are also written in English, and deliverables must be submitted in English by consultants, contractors, or suppliers.  
In competitive procurement processes, rules must be strictly followed. If a company fails to meet a requirement, it may lose the contract.

However, Mongolian companies also have several advantages. For example, they often have competitive prices, particularly for services and locally supplied goods. Many Mongolian firms have successfully won contracts through various procurement methods, some of which focus on qualifications and experience, while others focus on price and responsiveness. 

Also, many Mongolian consulting firms were awarded contracts based on the evaluation of both technical and financial proposals. 

Through these processes, they have gained significant experience in preparing proposals and implementing projects in accordance with international standards. This experience will help them to participate in international tenders in other countries as well. There are many opportunities in other MCA countries, as well as in projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other international organizations. 

In this sense, through this program, Mongolian firms have gained experience and strengthened their capacity. 

As for improvements, companies must carefully follow all instructions in the bidding documents. Sometimes proposals were rejected because certain documents were missing, or requirements were not fully followed. In the event that any aspect of the solicitation document is unclear, the companies must promptly request clarifications.  

In competitive procurement processes, rules must be strictly followed. If a company fails to meet a requirement, it may lose the contract. However, these experiences help companies to learn and improve their capacity over time. 

MONGOLIANS PLACE GREAT VALUE ON GOOD EDUCATION, WHICH IS VERY POSITIVE

You’ve worked with Mongolian colleagues for a number of years. What is your impression of working with Mongolians compared to other foreigners you’ve worked with?  
I have worked in many countries, including Indonesia, Moldova, Ukraine, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan, as well as several others for shorter periods. 

In all these places, I worked with local colleagues. However, Mongolia is unique. I can say that the main reason for our success is the team. 

Our procurement team at MCA Mongolia is one of the best teams I have ever worked with. We have very intelligent, motivated, and proactive individuals who understand their responsibilities very well. They often take initiative and clearly understand their roles and objectives. 

Education is also very important in Mongolian society. From what I see, Mongolians place great value on good education, which is very positive. Mongolians are highly intelligent people, and when you combine education, motivation, and natural ability, it creates a very strong professional environment. 

Continuous development is the most important thing. I would feel confident working anywhere in the world with this team because they are truly excellent. 

I’m curious about your thoughts about their ability to keep time? Because sometimes we are blamed for not being on time.
At the beginning we had some minor issues, mainly related to traffic or the fact that some people live far from the office. However, overall, we have no serious issues with punctuality. It depends a lot on teamwork and organizational culture. 
When I first arrived, air pollution and traffic were major concerns. However, I have seen improvements over the years.

About the traffic jam, how do you adapt to Ulaanbaatar's issues, like traffic jams, air pollution, etc.? 
Before coming to Mongolia, I lived in Jakarta for more than six years. Compared to Jakarta, Ulaanbaatar’s traffic is actually much easier to manage. 

Of course, traffic congestion is still a challenge. When I first arrived, air pollution and traffic were major concerns. However, I have seen improvements over the years. The government is working to address these issues by improving road infrastructure and launching new development projects. 

There are also discussions about constructing a metro or underground transportation system in the future, which would be very important for the city. 

Regarding air pollution, the government introduced policies such as restricting the use of raw coal, which in my opinion, have improved the situation. The most important thing is that there is a strong political will to solve these problems. There is also public demand for solutions. I believe the development of ger areas and ongoing investments will also help to improve the situation in the future.  

How do you spend your free time here in Mongolia? 
I have a wonderful time here. On weekends, I often go out of the city with friends, teammates and colleagues. There are many beautiful places near Ulaanbaatar where you can relax, such as Terelj and other destinations. 

Ulaanbaatar itself also has many nice restaurants, and social places. I have many good friends here, so there are always things to do and people to spend time with. 

In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of working and living in Mongolia? 
Ulaanbaatar is probably one of the best cities I have lived in, and I would definitely be happy to come back. Many people might say that the biggest disadvantage is the cold winter. But in reality, it is not as difficult as people imagine. 

Before I arrived, some of my friends told me, “It’s extremely cold.” But if you are well prepared, it is perfectly manageable. Honestly, I do not see many disadvantages. It is a nice city to walk around, meet people, visit museums, enjoy restaurants, and explore the surrounding nature. The people are also very friendly. All of these are great advantages. 

What do you think are some innovations or modern solutions that can be used in Mongolia in terms of what you’ve observed during your time here? 
Mongolians are highly intelligent people with strong potential. This means they can successfully develop innovative projects and programs. 

I also see that tourism and investment are gradually increasing, which is very positive. However, I think the most important innovations for Mongolia should focus on the energy sector. Developing new energy sources and increasing domestic energy production is probably the biggest challenge. 

I truly hope Mongolia will continue to develop and become a strong and prosperous country. I will always remain a fan of this country. 

Transportation is another important area — especially railway development and modern transport systems. With the right investments and innovative projects, Mongolia has strong potential for growth. 

Mongolia also has good relationships with neighboring countries such as South Korea and China, which support business development and investment. 

In addition, countries such as the United States and Australia continue to support important development programs. All these factors can contribute to Mongolia’s future development. 

Is there anything you want to say that I didn't ask and maybe related to your work and job? 
I am very proud of the work we have done and what we continue to achieve. We had the opportunity to visit the facilities that were built through this program. 

I hope you will also have the chance to see these large and important projects completed by MCA Mongolia. They will become valuable assets for the country.  The Compact program ensures that Mongolia has reliable and clean water resources for the years to come — for drinking, recycling, and all other uses. 

I truly hope Mongolia will continue to develop and become a strong and prosperous country. I will always remain a fan of this country. 

Thank you for your time with us. 

Prime Minister Zandanshatar Receives Mongolian and Vietnamese Cosmonauts www.montsame.mn

Prime Minister of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav received Gurragchaa Jugderdemid, Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic and the Soviet Union, and Phạm Tuân, a fighter pilot of the Vietnam Air Force, the first Asian cosmonaut, and Hero of the Soviet Union and the People’s Armed Forces of Vietnam.

From March 22 to 30, 1981, the joint Soviet–Mongolian space mission Soyuz-39 was successfully carried out, making Mongolia the 10th country in the world to send its citizen into space. The Prime Minister extended congratulations to Hero Gurragchaa on the 45th anniversary of this historic event, recalling it as a moment of great national pride.

He noted that this was not merely a single flight, but a landmark event that opened a new chapter in Mongolia’s science, research, and international cooperation. The crew of Soyuz-39 worked aboard the Salyut-6 space station, successfully conducting numerous important experiments in the fields of medicine and biology, thereby making a tangible contribution to Mongolia’s scientific development.

Gurragchaa Jugderdemid, Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic and the Soviet Union, and Phạm Tuân, fighter pilot of the Vietnam Air Force, the first Asian cosmonaut, and Hero of the Soviet Union and the People’s Armed Forces of Vietnam, trained together for two years from 1978 at the Soviet “Zvyozdni Gorodok" (Star City), where they formed a lasting friendship. They are attending, as distinguished guests, the international scientific conference on aerospace technology under the theme “Space Cooperation,” held in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the first Mongolian in space.

Mr. Phạm Tuân expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Zandanshatar for receiving him and noted that he feels a close affinity with Mongolia. He shared that he has visited Mongolia many times, first arriving in 1965, and even observed Mongolia from space. He added that he was pleased to return to participate in the celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of Mongolia’s first human spaceflight.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for meeting Pham Tuan, who flew into space in 1980 and is not only a national hero of Vietnam but also a figure of historic significance for Asia. He emphasized that the friendship between the two heroes is not only a personal bond but also a symbol that has strengthened the friendship between the peoples of Mongolia and Vietnam and continues to inspire future cooperation.

Mongolia, Kazakhstan to cooperate on oil imports and gold processing www.gogo.mn

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam received a delegation led by Bizhanova Aizhan Adilovna, First Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration of Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, the parties highlighted the upcoming state visit of U.Khurelsukh to Kazakhstan in April and exchanged views on cooperation in exploration and production, oil products, and nuclear energy.

Mongolia proposed concluding a long-term agreement to import crude oil and petroleum products from Kazakhstan, a proposal that was supported by the Kazakh side. The parties also discussed cooperation in the refining sector, including gold processing, and agreed to move forward by signing a memorandum of cooperation and working jointly on its implementation.

831 engineers and technicians working on Selbe 20 Minute City construction www.gogo.mn

Construction work on the first seven packages of the Selbe 20 Minute City project is continuing in stages on a 158-hectare site covering the 14th and 18th khoroos of Chingeltei District and the 14th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District, near the 5th, 6th and 7th stations. The project will include 8,575 apartments.

As of today, 831 engineers, technicians and skilled workers are carrying out planned work at the Selbe City construction site with 53 machineries. 

The first phase of the project, which will comprise 3,818 apartments, is scheduled to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2027. Green space will account for 37% of the total area, while schools, kindergartens, health centres, public service facilities, sports complexes, cinemas, and shopping and service centres will also be built. 

Selbe City is a major urban development project designed to create a comprehensive environment for housing, services, culture and business. During its implementation, the project is expected to create more than 10,000 temporary jobs and make a meaningful contribution to national development.

Illegal hunting of argali could result in MNT 44 million fine www.gogo.mn

Mongolia has updated the ecological and economic valuation of wildlife under Government Resolution No. 260 of 5 July 2023, introducing a system that assesses animals individually without distinguishing by sex or age.

Under the Law on Animals, compensation for damage caused by illegal hunting without proper permits is calculated at twice the government-approved ecological and economic value of the animal. As a result, the illegal hunting of an argali can lead to a fine of up to MNT 44 million. 

Ecological-economic valuation of animals

Argali sheep- MNT 22,200,000
Ibex- MNT 5,300,000
Black-tailed gazelle- MNT 3,330,000
Gray wolf- MNT 1,130,000
Corsac fox- MNT 220,000
Marmot- MNT 410,000
Falcon- MNT 16,000,000
Mongolian gazelle- MNT 997,000
Anyone who illegally hunts wildlife without proper permits shall pay a fine, and compensation for damage caused to wildlife shall be calculated at twice the animal’s ecological-economic valuation.

Draft Resolution Submitted to Amend Import Customs Duty Rates www.montsame.mn

On March 19, 2026, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Damdinnayam Gongor submitted to Speaker of the State Great Khural Uchral Nyam-Osor a draft parliamentary resolution to amend Resolution No. 27 of 1999, “On Approving the Rates and Amounts of Customs Duties on Imported Goods.”

According to the initiator, if adopted, the draft would grant the Government the authority to set the customs duty rate on gasoline, a widely consumed public commodity, thereby enabling more flexible regulation of duties in line with market conditions. Mongolia currently meets 100 percent of its fuel demand through imports, with approximately 95 percent sourced from the Russian Federation and the remainder from the People’s Republic of China.

Last December, the State Great Khural ratified the Interim Trade Agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states. The sector minister noted that once the agreement is ratified by the other member states, customs duties on automotive gasoline will be reduced to zero. The draft resolution has been initiated as a responsive measure pending the agreement’s entry into force, and in light of volatility in global petroleum product prices influenced by the situation in the Middle East.

Under Resolution No. 27 of 1999, the customs duty on fuel had been set at five percent but was subsequently reduced to zero. The initiator emphasized that adoption of the draft would further contribute to lowering retail fuel prices. For instance, the current customs duty on AI-92 gasoline stands at MNT 125,633 per ton; reducing this to zero would lower the price by MNT 106 per liter, yielding an estimated benefit of MNT 57 per liter.

The draft resolution consists of two articles and includes provisions specifying its effective date and duration, according to the Press and Public Relations Department of the State Great Khural.

Cambodia Joins Ethiopia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia and Others as U.S. Expands Five Thousand To Fifteen Thousand dollars Visa Bond Requirement Travelers and Business Operations Starting April 2 www.travelandtourworld.com

Starting April 2, Cambodia, alongside Ethiopia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia, and others, will be subject to the U.S. Department of State’s expanded visa bond program, requiring travelers to pay between five thousand to fifteen thousand dollars. This move, designed to address the growing issue of visa overstays, will have a significant impact on both individual travelers and businesses that depend on U.S. visits, adding financial complexity and delays to  travel plans. The expansion underscores the U.S. government’s effort to ensure compliance with visa terms, placing an additional burden on international travelers and corporate operations.

On March 18, the U.S. Department of State made a significant announcement regarding the expansion of its visa bond pilot program, which now affects an additional 12 countries. This expansion is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat visa overstays, a move initially reintroduced during the Trump administration. Starting April 2, nationals from these 12 newly added countries will be required to pay refundable cash bonds before their B-1/B-2 visa applications can be processed.

These bonds, which range from $5,000 to $15,000, must be paid in full via a wire transfer to a U.S. government escrow account or through a cashier’s cheque before the visa interview can take place. This initiative will significantly impact travelers from these 12 countries, as well as companies and organizations that often send employees to the United States on short-term visits.

New Countries Affected by Visa Bond Requirement
As of April 2, the following countries will be added to the list of nations subject to the expanded visa bond program:

Cambodia
Ethiopia
Georgia
Grenada
Lesotho
Mauritius
Mongolia
Mozambique
Nicaragua
Papua New Guinea
Seychelles
Tunisia
These countries join 38 others already subject to the program, bringing the total to 50 countries. Nationals from these countries, whose B-1/B-2 visa applications are processed, will now face the new requirement.

How the Visa Bond Program Works
The visa bond program requires that individuals from these countries pay a cash bond before their visa applications can be processed. The bond amounts vary, with some individuals required to pay $5,000, others $10,000, and some as much as $15,000, depending on their country of origin. This refundable bond is intended to deter visa overstays and ensure that individuals depart the United States within the allowed time frame.
The bond payment must be made prior to the visa interview, either by wire transfer to a U.S. government escrow account or via a cashier’s cheque. If the visa application is denied, the bond is refunded. However, if the visa is approved, the bond will be held until U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirms that the traveler has left the United States in accordance with the terms of their visa.

The Rationale Behind the Visa Bond Program
The U.S. government reintroduced the visa bond concept in late 2025 as part of a broader effort to address the growing issue of visa overstays. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), nationals from countries where more than 10% of travelers overstayed their B-1/B-2 visas in the previous fiscal year may be required to post a bond.

The program’s proponents argue that it has been successful in encouraging compliance, as nearly 97% of the 1,000 individuals who posted bonds last year left the U.S. before their authorized stay ended. This statistic is often highlighted by the government as evidence of the program’s effectiveness.

However, immigration lawyers caution that the data used to assess the program’s impact may be too limited. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which rely on quick business trips to the U.S., are likely to feel the negative effects of the expanded program. These businesses will face higher upfront costs, longer visa processing times, and potential delays in securing necessary approvals for their employees.

The Financial Impact on Companies and Travelers
The introduction of the visa bond requirement will place a financial burden on both travelers and corporations. Businesses that frequently send employees to the U.S. from these affected countries should expect higher upfront costs due to the bond payments. Additionally, the processing time for visa applications may increase, causing delays that could impact operations and scheduling.

The bond must be paid in full before the visa interview, which may tie up working capital for companies in need of quick  travel approvals. Companies with employees in the newly added countries may also face employee relations challenges, as employees may need to wait weeks to receive refunds after their bonds are processed.

In a further complication, refunds of the visa bond are not immediate. Typically, refunds are processed within six to eight weeks, during which time businesses may experience significant cash flow constraints. The ability to recover the funds after the traveler has left the U.S. may affect some companies’ ability to operate smoothly, especially SMEs that depend on rapid business travel.

How VisaHQ Helps Travelers and Companies Navigate the New Requirements
For businesses and travelers navigating the complexities of the expanded visa bond program, VisaHQ offers comprehensive services to streamline the process. These services include document pre-screening, consular appointment scheduling, and real-time tracking of application status updates. Through VisaHQ’s platform, applicants can determine if they will be required to post a bond, understand how to send funds quickly and securely, and receive guidance on the refund process.

By using VisaHQ’s services, travelers and organizations can ensure that their visa applications are processed in a timely manner, minimizing the disruption caused by the expanded visa bond program.

Preparing for the New Bond Requirements
Experts suggest that travelers and organizations take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of being required to post a bond. To do so, travelers should provide consular officers with thorough documentation that demonstrates their intent to depart the U.S. at the end of their authorized stay. Recommended documents include return tickets, hotel reservations, meeting agendas, and proof of onward travel. This will help demonstrate to consular officers that the traveler has no intention of overstaying their visa.

Moreover, consular officers are granted broad discretion in determining whether a bond will be required. Travelers with a strong U.S. travel history, or those with urgent schedules, may still be able to avoid the bond requirement, depending on the specifics of their case.

Starting April 2, Ethiopia, Georgia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia, and others will be subject to the U.S. visa bond program, requiring travelers to pay between five thousand to fifteen thousand dollars. This move aims to curb visa overstays and will significantly impact both individual travelers and businesses relying on U.S. visits.

What’s Next for the Visa Bond Program?
The State Department has indicated that it will review the visa bond program again in September 2026, at which point it may adjust the list of affected countries or make further changes to the program. Companies with a global workforce should closely monitor the program’s impact on their operations and compliance, especially in light of the potential for further expansion or modification in the future.

As the program continues to evolve, both travelers and organizations will need to remain agile, ensuring they are in compliance with the latest regulations and prepared for the financial and logistical challenges posed by the visa bond requirement.

Mongolia Supports Civic Space Reforms but Key Restrictions Remain www.civicus.org

Geneva: Statement at the 61st Session UN Human Rights Council, Adoption of the UPR report of Mongolia

Delivered by Urantulkhuur Mandkhaitsetsen, Center for Human Rights and Development
Mr. President,

CIVICUS, ADN and CHRD welcomes Mongolia’s engagement in the UPR process. In this cycle, we note that Mongolia received 23 recommendations on civic space and supported 22 of them.

We welcome, that the government has supported recommendations to protect human rights defenders and journalists, ensure that laws are not misused to restrict them and protect them from all acts of harassment and intimidation. We also welcome its support towards repealing Article 13.14 of the Criminal Code on defamation and to ensure press freedom.

However, we are disappointed that the government chose not to support recommendations to review or repeal Article 17.6 and 19.11 of the Criminal Code, which has also been used to target activists and journalists

In recent years, our organisations have documented the harassment and criminalisation of activists and journalists. We are also deeply concerned by draft NGO laws that are inconsistent with international law and standards. We are further alarmed by proposed laws to control the internet, and restrictions in law and practice against peaceful protests.

Mr President, we urge the government of Mongolia to take concrete steps to implement the UPR recommendations by ensuring all laws are consistent with the ICCPR, that the 2021 Human Rights Defenders law is effectively implemented and to revise the Law on Organising Demonstrations and Public Gatherings so that they comply with international human rights law and standards.

We thank you.