ZAMBIA WITHDRAWS FROM MISS UNIVERSE OVER US VISA RESTRICTIONS
Zambia will not participate in this year’s Miss Universe competition after its representative, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, was unable to obtain a United States visa because of travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The 25-year-old registered nurse was expected to represent Zambia at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November 24 in Puerto Rico, a United States territory.
Miss Universe Zambia organisers confirmed her withdrawal, expressing disappointment that the restrictions had denied her an opportunity to represent her country on the international stage.
Zambia is not the only African country affected. The Republic of Congo has also withdrawn its representative, Georgina Kambongo, while contestants from Zimbabwe and South Sudan are still awaiting visa approvals.
The restrictions, expanded by the Trump administration in December 2025, affect travellers from several African countries.
The developments have raised concerns about the impact of immigration policies on international cultural and sporting events.