Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign Commends New U.S. Visa Restrictions Targeting Complicit Officials in Forced Uyghur Returns

Washington, D.C. — March 14, 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact: Hena Zuberi

hena@justiceforall.org

(202) 922-5878

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign praises Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a new visa restriction policy intended to curb the forced return of Uyghurs and other vulnerable groups to China. This policy directly impacts those who have facilitated such returns, where individuals often face severe human rights abuses, including torture and disappearances.

As an immediate measure, Secretary Rubio has imposed visa restrictions on current and former officials from the Government of Thailand involved in the forced return of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand on February 27. This action sends a stern warning to governments worldwide that complicity in the persecution of Uyghurs will not be tolerated.

Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All, applauded this significant move: “The State Department’s decision underlines a commitment to uphold human rights and protect the oppressed. By specifically targeting those complicit in these deportations, the U.S. is championing a necessary ethic of accountability. We urge all countries to consider their roles and responsibilities in preventing such human rights violations.”

Arslan Hidayat, Team Lead of the Save Uyghur Campaign, emphasized the policy’s broader implications: “This is a step toward justice for Uyghurs and other at-risk groups. Secretary Rubio’s actions not only challenge those aiding China’s egregious policies but also encourage global reflection and action. Other nations will now think twice, as was seen recently when a Turkish court decided to deport two Uyghur refugees to China. Such actions must not be repeated.”

Justice For All calls on the global community to follow this lead and enhance efforts to safeguard persecuted individuals. Uyghurs, in particular, are in urgent need of asylum and protection from unjust deportations and subsequent mistreatment.