Washigton - Members of the Yemeni community in the United States are raising pressing questions about a decision attributed to Yemen’s Ambassador in Washington, Abdelwahab Al-Hajjri, which has circulated widely in recent hours. According to what has been shared by citizens, the decision reportedly requires parents to travel to Yemen to obtain passports for their U.S.-born children—a move described as “illegal” and “unjustified,” and one that opens the door to serious questions about its motives and implications.

Reports suggest that such a measure would effectively disable the consular authority of embassies and consulates, which are mandated to provide services to citizens abroad without exception, in accordance with international law, including the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Is This Decision an Announcement of Hostility Toward Expatriates?

The Yemeni community argues that forcing a U.S.-born child of Yemeni origin to travel to a war-torn country just to obtain a passport cannot be categorized as a mere “administrative step.” Rather, it constitutes a direct threat to the safety of families, a violation of their fundamental rights, and discriminatory treatment in the provision of consular services to Yemenis abroad.

Activists have also voiced concern thatif confirmed—this decision represents systematic pressure on expatriates, exceeds the embassy’s legal mandate, and contradicts its duty to facilitate citizens’ affairs rather than complicate them.

Demand for an Official Explanation

Amid mounting frustration, Yemeni expatriates in the United States are calling on the Yemeni Embassy in Washington and the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify the truth behind these alleged measures:
 • Has the embassy actually issued a decision requiring parents to travel to Yemen for their children’s passport issuance?
 • What is the legal basis for any change in passport-processing procedures?
 • Is the embassy aware of the risks families may face if required to travel to active conflict areas?

So far, thousands of Yemenis across the U.S. are awaiting an official statement that can put an end to the confusion and confirm whether these measures are indeed real or merely unverified rumors.