OnDecember 15, 2021, The Department of State (DOS), provided updated guidance inregards to National Interest Exemptions (NIEs).
TheDOS confirmed that only in extremely rare circumstances will NIEs be grantedfor travelers subject to the Southern Africa travel ban, Presidential Proclamation 10315 (PP 10315). The DOS stated that the bar isvery high for a NIE for PP 10315 and some posts will not even be accepting NIErequests, due to the very high standard.
Thoseseeking an NIE under the PP 10315 should contact the local post and provide asmuch information as possible to request a NIE to PP 10315. DOS confirmed thatonly under extreme or urgent circumstances, where the visa applicant documentsa clear humanitarian need, or where the issue is clearly within the nationalinterest of the United States will a NIE be granted.
Inaddition, the DOS confirmed that NIEs are no longer valid that were grantedunder Presidential Proclamations that have been rescinded.