T5 B71 Saudi Visa Policy 1 Of 2 Fdr- Presentation- Us Embassy Riyadh- Visa Processing 606

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Nonimmigrant Visa Processing in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Embassy Riyadh

NIV Workload - Riyadh & Jeddah 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 No. of 50,000 Applications 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0

D Jeddah H Riyadh

FY 1999

FY 2000

FY2001

Saudi Arabia NIV Workload 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 No. of 50,000 Applications 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0

9/11 Closed by Statute

FY1999 FY2000 FY2001

Refusals Issuances

Workload - Saudis Vs. TCNs 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 No. of 50,000 Applications 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0

TCNs Saudis

FY 1999

FY 2000

FY 2001

VISA EXPRESS In Saudi Arabia American Embassy - Riyadh U.S. Consulates General -Dhahran & Jeddah

Benefits of U.S. Visa Express Reduces number of applicants coming to Embassy Out-sources data-entry function Easier processing procedure for qualified applicants

Travel Agent/ Couriers Eligibility Temporary MOU One year renewable contract

Qualification standards •Highly mechanized & computerized •Sufficient staff to dedicate at least one person to program •Strong-reputation for reliability •Office security systems in place

Applicant Eligibility Mandatory for all applicants, Saudi and resident TCNs • All types of nonimmigrant visas • Resident in Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah consular districts • Exceptions: diplomats, members of the royal family, and government officials using known expeditors, and Embassy referrals

Travel Agencies Are Responsible for Ensuring That Applications Are Complete • • • •

Visa application (DS-156)(DS-157 if applicable) Photo Valid passport Other mandatory supporting documents (e.G., 1-20, approved H1B petition, cvs, medical affidavit of support and diagnosis, etc.) • For non-Saudis: exit-re-entry permit, letter of employment • MRV fee • As applicable according to reciprocity schedules, issuance fee

Travel Agencies Do Remote Data-Entry for Each Applicant • • • • • •

Name Passport number Date and place of birth Nationality Gender Visa category (B1/B2, F, M, J, etc)

This data is then downloaded onto a diskette and presented to the nonimmigrant visa unit along with the application forms, passports and supporting documents.

Travel Agency Package for Delivery to Embassy

Master list (manifest) of applicants Passports with supporting documentation Fees (MRV & issuance) Diskette with applicants' biographical data

Drop Off & Pick-up Travel agent/ courier service representative drops off package and picks up previous day work Turn-around time is "next-day" Passports of applicants who are not clearly qualified contain a letter advising that the applicant needs to appear in person for an interview. This is currently about 45% of all applicants.

Visa Express Safeguards Regular travel agency/courier service performance review including tracking system in MRV program Policies & procedures in writing Manual for travel agency/courier staff Periodic updates and upgraded training Periodic on-site visits

Visa Express Post 9/11 Although all nonimmigrant visa applications are still presented by travel agencies, the reviewing process by consular officials is more rigorous All clearance cases are called in for interviews - approximately 45% of all cases are now interviewed Applications are not accepted if any question is not answered completely or photograph is not in compliance with regulations Any ambiguity in answering application questions will result in a personal interview If ambiguity continues during interview, application will be denied

Regulatory Changes in Nonimmigrant Visa Procedures Since 9/11 • DS 157 - supplemental visa application sheet introduced • New photograph requirements for both men and women • Two new clearance procedures put into place 1. 20 day clearance 2. Visas condor clearance • Tighter clearance waiver procedures

Top 10 Nationalities - All Saudi Arabia 12,000 10,000 V f

8,000 | No. of 6,000 Applications

DSep. 11, 2000-Feb. 4, 2001 DSep. 11,2001 -Feb. 4, 2002

4,000 2,000 J. 0

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Riyadh Applications

Interviews

Interview Issuances Rate

Refusals

Refusal Rate

Saudis 9/11/01-2/4/02

2,041

699

34.2%

9/11/00-2/4/01

6,793

[153]

[2.2%] 9/11 Closed by Statute

TCNs 9/11/01-2/4/02

3,235

1,637

50.6%

9/11/00-2/4/01

5,712

[4,284]

[75%]

[ ] = estimate

Jeddah Applications

Interviews

Interview Rate

Issuances

Refusals

Refusal Rate

Saudis 9/11/01-2/4/02

1,170

230

19.6%

9/11/00-2/4/01

4,046

[101]

[2.5%] 9/11 Closed by Statute

TCNs 9/11/01-2/4/02

978

541

55.3%

9/11/00-2/4/01

2,970

[2,228]

[75%]

[ ] = estimate

All Saudi Arabia Applications

Interviews

Interview Rate

Issuances

Refusals

Refusal Rate

Saudis 9/11/01-2/4/02

3,211

929

28.9%

9/11/00-2/4/01

10,839

[254]

[2.3%] 9/11

TCNs 9/11/01-2/4/02

4,213

2178

51.7%

9/11/00-2/4/01

8,682

[6,512]

[75%]

[ ] = estimate

Closed by Statute