What is the Mali travel ban and when did it start?

The Mali travel ban refers to expanded US restrictions effective January 1 that newly include Mali and Burkina Faso, followed by reciprocal bans from those countries on US citizens. The measures change entry permissions and complicate corporate travel. Investors should expect schedule changes, extra compliance steps, and potentially higher insurance and logistics costs.

How do H-1B visa changes affect Big Tech hiring?

USCIS introduced a weighted H-1B selection favoring higher wages, improving odds for top-tier roles and squeezing early-career candidates. Big Tech hiring may shift later in the cycle, with higher salary bands and tighter budgets. Expect more internal training, nearshore strategies, and staggered onboarding to manage costs and timelines into 2026-27.

Does the travel ban impact US companies with projects in West Africa?

Yes. Reciprocal bans on US citizens can delay site visits, supplier vetting, training, and audits. The Mali travel ban also raises insurance and rerouting costs. Companies should pre-clear itineraries, add buffer days, secure remote alternatives, and maintain standby vendors to keep operations and sales cycles moving with minimal disruption.

What should Nasdaq-100 investors watch next?

Monitor policy headlines, H-1B lottery outcomes, and travel updates for demand and margin signals. For levels, watch ^NDX versus the 50-day 25,324.588, 200-day 22,920.328, and Bollinger middle 25,433.75. RSI 48.45 and ADX 11.99 suggest mixed momentum. Use staged entries, and preserve downside protection near the lower band 24,863.24.

Law and Government

January 01: US Travel Ban Hits Mali; H-1B Shift Puts Big Tech Hiring in Focus

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

The Mali travel ban took effect January 1 as the US expanded restrictions to Mali and Burkina Faso, with both countries issuing reciprocal bans on US citizens. At the same time, USCIS introduced weighted H-1B selection that favors higher wages. We assess what these moves mean for US policy, H-1B visa changes, and Big Tech hiring. We also map the likely effects on the Nasdaq-100 and outline what investors should watch in 2026-27 hiring cycles.