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Jaishankar responds to US visa processing delays in India

"In India, there are families unable to meet; students waiting for a long time"
Jaishankar responds to US visa processing delays in India
Jaishankar responds to US visa processing delays in India

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ ITDC NEWS Responding to US visa processing delays in India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told US State Secretary Blinken that the Indian govt will help in any way it could. "But, this is an issue where it is mainly for the US to do. We'll be supportive," he said.

"In India, there are families unable to meet; students waiting for a long time. So it is a serious problem. But, I'm confident that, with the sincerity Secy Blinken showed, they would address this, and with any support that we can provide, we hope things will improve," he said.

Many Indian netizens on Wednesday took to Twitter to share their concerns over the delay in processing of US visa applications from India, with some saying it was "hurting" working professionals and students. Some Twitter users shared news reports which mentioned that the waiting period in some cases was "over a year".

"Huge exodus of millionaires, professionals in technology and medical and students from India to US. Visa waiting period is more than a year," tweeted @IndiaNewGen.

The user also shared a screenshot of a news report whose headline said—"US visa appointments now open; Wait time? Just 800 days!"

Another user, @AK01055865, made a tweet in response to a post that mentioned External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and made a plea to him. "Sir, India US visa issue is sincerely hurting many working professionals and students please help raise their voice," the user wrote.

The US embassy in India on its website has put up a note saying, "Due to reduced staffing and numerous pandemic-related disruptions to our operations since March 2020, appointment demand is high across all visa categories and wait times may be lengthy for most routine nonimmigrant visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai."

The State Department has authorised consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain categories of visa applicants through 31 December 2022, it said. This new authorisation applies to travellers applying for F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q, and academic J visas who were previously issued any type of visa, if they are applying for a visa in their country of nationality or residence, the note said.

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