Sweeping entry restrictions have blocked Zambian representative Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka and Congolese delegate Georgina Kambongo from competing in the Puerto Rico event. Kambongo was slated to make history as the first-ever contestant to represent the Republic of Congo on the global stage. While two other African delegates from Zimbabwe and South Sudan face uncertain participation due to ongoing visa delays, contestants are already arriving for preliminary events ahead of the final crowning on November 24.
Key points
Federal travel policies under the second Trump administration have prevented multiple int…: Federal travel policies under the second Trump administration have prevented multiple international beauty delegates from competing.
Entry restrictions continue to threaten the participation of delegates from Zimbabwe and…: Entry restrictions continue to threaten the participation of delegates from Zimbabwe and South Sudan who are still awaiting travel documents.
Over 100 contestants are gathering in Puerto Rico for the final Miss Universe crowning ce…: Over 100 contestants are gathering in Puerto Rico for the final Miss Universe crowning ceremony scheduled for November 24.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Two African contestants have withdrawn from this year's Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico after failing to secure US visas due to travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. Two other contestants from the continent are also facing uncertainty over their participation as they await visa approvals.
According to ABC News, representatives from Zambia and the Republic of Congo have pulled out of the competition after being unable to obtain visas, while contestants from South Sudan and Zimbabwe are still waiting for travel documents.
The US has imposed sweeping travel restrictions affecting dozens of countries, including several African nations, through proclamations issued during Trump's second administration. In December last year, the administration expanded the restrictions to include Zambia and Zimbabwe, while maintaining a full suspension of entry for nationals of the Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
Miss Universe Zambia organisers announced this week that their representative, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, would not be able to participate, saying she deserved the opportunity to represent her country.
In the Republic of Congo, Georgina Kambongo, who became the country's first-ever Miss Universe…
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