Zambian pageant titleholder Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka will miss the upcoming Miss Universe competition after Zambia withdrew its delegate over US entry restrictions.
Georgina Kambongo, the Republic of Congo’s first representative at the international pageant, also cannot compete because of entry barriers. Both countries have made their withdrawal decisions.
Hatyoka had won her national title and trained for the international competition. Kambongo’s participation would have been her country’s debut.
Meanwhile, contestants from Zimbabwe and South Sudan are still waiting for travel approval. Zimbabwean delegate Roseanna Hall and South Sudanese contestant Adut Deng have faced administrative hurdles for more than six months.
Neither contestant’s participation has been confirmed.
Their cases are part of broader travel difficulties affecting African delegates after the Trump administration expanded entry restrictions. Contestants from several countries have encountered barriers or lengthy delays while arranging their journeys to the competition.
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National representatives describe the delegates as enthusiastic about taking part and proud to represent their countries. But the administrative difficulties have left some unable to attend and others uncertain whether they can travel.
The pageant is scheduled for the month after the travel difficulties were reported. Delegates have been travelling to Puerto Rico for preliminary competitions, national costume events and rehearsals before the final.
