Embassies & Visas
I know this posting may not make me popular and perhaps generate some controversy but I think these are words which need to be said.
I think especially because of my former career as an American diplomat I routinely hear comments about various experiences Saudis have had when going to the US embassy or one of the consulates and apply for a visa. Unfortunately all of these comments have been less than positive if not downright demeaning or insulting. The more I hear the more it sounds like all those associated with visas to include Americans and the foreign nationals working in visa sections need to have a refresher course in Diplomacy & Courtesy 101.
Now it is true that some Saudi citizens can be “challenging” personalities and accustomed to getting their own way. I am sure when such a personality type comes in for a visa interview this does not necessarily help the temperament of those working in the consular sections. Yet it certainly sounds like most individuals when coming to the embassy are routinely met by aggressive and rude foreign nationals. After first usually waiting in line to gain access to the entrance of the consular services they are then treated in a rough-shod manner where they remove their shoes, allow for all of their belongings to be searched and indifferently directed to go take a number and proceed to wait, yet again. At least by this point they are usually waiting to be seen and interviewed by an American consular official. Again it is a dice roll on whether the official will be polite, indifferent or downright rude. The good news is that I am told most Saudis are received politely by the American officials. The bad news is that is not the case 100 per cent of the time.
If you are not aware Saudi Arabia has one of the best records of nationals who do not overstay their visas in the US. They come to the US, conduct whatever business they have or visits they came to make and then return to the Kingdom. Yet ironically for most Saudis it can be an inordinate wait (sometimes up to 4 months or more) for them to be granted their appointment interview. Why is this you may ask? Well, since 9/11 new procedures were put into place in the name of National Security and most of these measures impact greatest on Saudi nationals. And as we all know, once governmental procedures have been put into place and particularly in the name of national security, it is unlikely they would be quickly changed or reversed.
Security checks must be conducted with a myriad of differing governmental agencies in the interests of Homeland Security. Unfortunately not all the databases are fool proof in the sense that names can be transposed or confused. Whereby an individual who may appear to meet all the green light requirements to be granted a visa but if there is a “hit” where their family name matches or correlates with a person of interest who is viewed as a security threat, then the applicant will be denied a visa. They’ll be told they can reapply in “xx” time but they may not have been told exactly why their visa was denied. And again, if it was due to a hit on a name, they can reapply but will probably be denied again and again.
Now going back to how is it determined whether an individual qualifies for a visa. The requirements are clearly stated on the visa application. If one meets those requirements then it is a matter of passing the security database checks and the visa interview. The consular officer interviewing the applicant will have the visa application and information. However due to the volume of visas and applications processed the officer may not have taken much time to review the application. Demeaner, mannerisms, appearance and how one responds to questions during the interview plays a role as well. Never forget, you only have that one chance to make the first good impression. Don’t go to an interview in a dirty thobe or old blue jeans. Students also look less professional if they go for their interview looking “punk” wearing tight jeans, dark glasses and long hair. They may be of the best of character but such an appearance still lends itself to a negative stereotype.
The mindset and mood of the consular officer should not be a factor but in reality it can be. As one individual whom I personally know and not doubt his word said that on a past trip to the consulate in Jeddah when he was applying for a visa for his wife (he already had a valid multi-entry visa) the official must have had a rough day for he said “How in the f*** do I know she’s not going to overstay her visa or that both of you wouldn’t try and overstay?” Needless to say the wife was denied her visa. There may have been other circumstances not known to the Saudi but was it necessary for the official, an official representative of the US Government and the USA, to have used such offensive and vulgar language?
The recently arrived new American ambassador is aware that there are issues which need fixed in regards to visa services. He is making positive remarks which indicate sincerity on all fronts to fix some of these problems. And I am sure that the fact that the embassy remains an unaccompanied hardship post also adds additional pressure in regards to the amount of work; impact on historical knowledge; and overall ability to thoroughly learn a new region, customs, cultures and be effective. I say this because as an unaccompanied hardship post most of the diplomats posted to KSA arrive for what is on paper a 1 year tour of duty. In actuality due to special R&R (rest and recreation) plus other leaves, this reduces down to about 9 months. So in 9 months one needs to learn all aspects of the job, the customs, the culture, build their network, interact and liaise with their diplomatic counterparts and effectively represent their home country. It’s being done but it is a tall order to fill as well.
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