America News Agency

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi expressed solidarity with Somali-born World Cup referee Omar Artan and criticized the decision to deny him entry into the United States.

Referring to the visa restriction imposed on Artan and the U.S. position, Grandi said: “We express our solidarity with Somali-born World Cup referee Omar Artan regarding the decision not to allow him entry into the United States.”

Emphasizing the value that migrants bring to countries, Grandi stated: “It is regrettable that a country that owes its greatness to the talents of immigrants and refugees would deny entry to a person of such great talent.”