Beijing: A new United States permanent visa bond rule has been implemented, affecting 30 African countries including Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The rule is aimed at tackling overstays of short-term visas by requiring certain foreign nationals to pay a refundable bond. According to Deutsche Welle, this measure is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to ensure compliance with visa terms and reduce the number of overstays from these countries. The rule stipulates that some applicants may need to pay a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, which will be refunded once the visa conditions are met and the visa holder leaves the U.S. within the authorized period. Countries affected by this new policy are those with higher rates of visa overstays, and it is intended to encourage adherence to U.S. immigration laws. The implementation of this rule has sparked discussions and concerns among affected nations, as it may impact tourism, business travel, and diplomatic relations. In other news, Mali's nation al women's football team has kept their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hopes alive. Their recent performance has bolstered their chances in the tournament, drawing attention to the growing competitiveness of women's football in the region.