DHAKA: Google has recalled travelling staff members to the US after an executive order from President Donald Trump restricting entry for nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries.

Syrian refugees are banned from entry until further notice.

Visas for nationals of six countries, including Iran and Iraq, will not be issued for the next three months, reports the BBC.

Google has told the BBC it is concerned about the order and any measures which could block great talent from the US.

The BBC’s business correspondent Joe Lynam says President Trump's order means that thousands of citizens from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Libya may not be allowed to board flights bound for the US - even if they hold a so-called “green card” (permanent residents’ permit).

Trump said the measure would “keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the US”.

But rights groups say there is no link between Syrian refugees in the US and terrorism.

Some Republicans have welcomed Trump’s announcement, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, who said it was “time to re-evaluate and strengthen the visa vetting process”.

BDST: 1750 HRS, JAN 28, 2017
LM/BD