Kathmandu, August 20, 2026 — The SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) has expressed its solidarity with the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Arab & Middle Eastern Journalists Association, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Foreign Press Association of the USA and other journalism and press-freedom organizations opposing new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restrictions affecting foreign journalists.
The coalition is urging the U.S. Congress to block the new DHS rule that would replace the longstanding practice of admitting foreign journalists for the duration of their assignments with fixed admission periods. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, although its implementation could still be affected by congressional or legal action.
Under the new framework, foreign journalists holding I visas could face a maximum admission period of 240 days, while Chinese journalists would face a shorter initial period of 90 days, according to reporting on the rule and the legal challenge brought against it.
The SAARC Journalist Forum said it stands firmly with the international and U.S.-based journalism organizations that have raised concerns that such restrictions could undermine independent journalism, international press coverage and the free flow of information.
“The SAARC Journalist Forum stands in solidarity with the Society of Professional Journalists and all organizations defending the rights and professional freedom of foreign correspondents. Journalism must not be weakened by policies that make it unnecessarily difficult for journalists to report from the United States,” SJF International President Raju Lama said.
The SJF emphasized that foreign correspondents play an important role in helping audiences around the world understand U.S. politics, society, economy, science, culture and international affairs. Limiting their ability to remain in the country for the duration of legitimate professional assignments could reduce the depth, continuity and diversity of international news coverage.
The coalition statement highlighted concerns that the restrictions could damage the United States’ reputation as a global center for press freedom and could result in less nuanced international understanding of the country and its institutions.
The SJF also welcomed the growing legal and professional response to the new policy. On August 18, a coalition of unions and advocacy organizations filed a federal lawsuit challenging the new visa restrictions, arguing that the changes could seriously harm foreign journalists and other affected nonimmigrant groups.
The SJF called on the U.S. Congress and the DHS to reconsider the restrictions and ensure that legitimate foreign journalists can continue their professional assignments without unnecessary barriers.
The Forum stressed that press freedom is a universal principle and that journalists from South Asia and other regions should be able to report independently and professionally on matters of international importance.
The SAARC Journalist Forum reaffirmed its commitment to working with international journalism organizations to defend journalists’ rights, promote freedom of expression and strengthen cross-border cooperation among media professionals.
