SHOPPERS from certain countries could soon find themselves blocked from Costco and Sam’s Club unless they first get permission from the State Department.
The proposal, detailed in an internal memo, would stop visitors from snapping up bulk bargains at the popular wholesale chains without prior approval.
The unusual restriction is aimed at foreign delegations in New York for the UN General Assembly, where the Trump administration is rolling out tougher rules on access, movement, and visas.
One plan being floated would hit Iranian shoppers hardest, with officials saying they often use the clubs to buy goods unavailable at home and ship them overseas.
The memo said officials were considering wider limits on wholesale club memberships for foreign officials based in the US.
These stores are popular because they offer bulk goods are lower prices.
The move comes after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation were denied entry to the US for a high-level UN meeting
Abbas and about 80 Palestinian officials had their visas revoked, blocking them from attending the UN General Assembly in New York next month.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move was due to the Palestinians’ attempts to bypass negotiations and push for unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
The decision, welcomed by Israel, has drawn criticism from Abbas’ office, which called it a violation of international law and UN rules.
UN officials said they hope the issue can be resolved to ensure all member states and observers can participate in the upcoming meetings.
It is unclear when the shopping restrictions would take effect, but the memo suggests the State Department may impose conditions on memberships for all foreign diplomats.
Other delegations could also face new rules, including Sudan, Zimbabwe, and even Brazil.
Brazil’s delegation traditionally delivers the opening speech at the General Assembly, though lower-level staff could be affected by any new restrictions.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva may not be directly impacted, but tensions with Trump over legal actions against former President Jair Bolsonaro could influence the treatment of his delegation.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/15124785/iranians-shopping-ban-costco-sams-club-trump-rule