Praia, Jan. 16, 2026 (Lusa) - The Cabo Verdean President argued on Friday that the country must do its "homework" to address discriminatory measures or restrictions on mobility such as those announced by the United States.
"As a country, we have to do our homework, which at the moment means doing everything we can to defend the interests of Cabo Verdeans living in various countries where there are more restrictive or discriminatory measures against immigrants," said José Maria Neves in an online publication.
According to the head of state, it is necessary to exert influence "so that the Cabo Verdean community is well treated in all these countries, especially in the United States, where we have a historical relationship and a strong contribution from the Cabo Verdean community to the growth and development" of that country.
The Cabo Verdean government said on Thursday that the "unexpected suspension" of the archipelago's issuance of emigration visas to the United States seriously compromises the mobility of citizens, already affected by restrictions on business and tourist visas.
"In the space of 15 days, the current US administration has taken two decisions that seriously affect Cabo Verdean citizens in their expectations of mobility between the two countries," said Cabo Verde's minister of foreign affairs, José Luís Livramento.
The minister reiterated that the Cabo Verdean government will continue to work with the United States to restore normal mobility as soon as possible.
Among the initiatives underway is the return of the Peace Corps to the archipelago to support citizens who are emigrating, with a focus on basic English language skills and knowledge of American society.
"The government has long been concerned with the successful integration of Cabo Verdeans. We believe this situation is temporary," he said.
The United States has announced new rules for entering the country.
On 6 January, it included Cabo Verde and Angola in a list of 38 states (which already included Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe) whose citizens travelling for business or tourism will have to pay a deposit of up to US$15,000 (€12,876).
According to the Cabo Verdean government, the country has an overstay rate of 13.26%, up from 12.41% in 2013, which is higher than several other countries.
On Wednesday, Cabo Verde also became part of the list of 75 countries, including Brazil, suspended from the immigration visa process.
Both measures will take effect on Wednesday, 21 January.
The United States is one of the main destinations for the Cabo Verdean diaspora, and this year the archipelago will compete in its first soccer World Cup on American soil.
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