Mark Rabago
RNZ Pacific CNMI correspondent
The
United States has suspended a special visa-free travel
programme for Chinese nationals visiting the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), citing national
security concerns, human smuggling and other criminal
activities.
The Department of Homeland Security
announced the suspension of the CNMI Economic Vitality and
Security Travel Authorisation Program (EVS-TAP) in a Federal
Register notice published on Tuesday.
The suspension
takes effect on 31 October.
The EVS-TAP, introduced in
February 2025, allows eligible Chinese nationals to visit
the Northern Marianas without a US visa for up to 14
days.
Chinese visitors are prohibited from travelling
onward to Guam or other parts of the United States under the
arrangement.
The department said more than 3000
Chinese nationals entered the Northern Marianas under
EVS-TAP during fiscal year 2025.
However, Homeland
Security officials determined that the program presented
unacceptable security and law enforcement risks, including
the possibility of espionage targeting US military
installations in the region.
The department cited
previous cases involving Chinese nationals being smuggled
from Saipan to Guam, some of whom were subsequently
encountered near sensitive military facilities.
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It
also raised concerns about birth tourism, money laundering,
and labour abuses associated with Chinese-linked businesses,
including the former Imperial Pacific casino operation on
Saipan.
The department acknowledged that suspending
the program could affect businesses in the Northern Marianas
that depend on Chinese tourists but said national security
concerns outweighed the potential economic impact.
The
suspension applies to new applicants and travelers who
already have approved EVS-TAP authorisations.
Chinese
nationals already legally in the Northern Marianas under the
program may remain until their authorised stay
expires.
Future visitors from China will need to
obtain an appropriate US visa unless another lawful
exception applies.
The department said it would review
the program in consultation with the US departments of State
and the Interior.
No timetable has been announced for
its possible
reinstatement.
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