Organizers said visa problems tied to United States travel restrictions have caused two African contestants to withdraw from Miss Universe in Puerto Rico this month.
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Two African contestants will miss this year’s Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico due to visa restrictions implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration, while two others remain in the process of trying to obtain visas.
Representatives from Zambia and the Republic of Congo withdrew from the pageant after failing to secure travel documents. Miss Universe Zambia organizers said in a statement that Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka’s withdrawal followed the inability to obtain visas.
In the Republic of Congo, organizers said the situation facing contestant Georgina Kambongo is linked to Trump’s travel restrictions. National organizers said her inability to travel to Puerto Rico is “linked solely” to the United States restrictions.
In South Sudan, organizers said contestant Adut Deng’s participation remained uncertain despite months of efforts to secure the necessary travel documents and approvals. Contestants from South Sudan and Zimbabwe were still awaiting visas at the time the report was filed.
The competition’s 75th edition is expected to attract up to 120 contestants. Delegates began arriving in Puerto Rico on Sunday for rehearsals and other preliminary activities, with a national costume competition scheduled for Nov. 21, swimsuit and evening gown segments the following day, and the winner to be crowned on Nov. 24.
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