DHAHRAN, 4 May 2008 -- Yesterday, the US Consulate in Dhahran (http://dhahran.usconsulate.gov/) held the official opening of full non-immigrant visa services. The early morning event was well attended, especially by officials from Asharqia Chamber and local businessmen, who have long lobbied for the issuance of non-immigrant US visas in the Eastern Province.

Representing Governor of the Eastern Province Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd was Prince Fahd ibn Abdullah Al-Jiluwi Al-Saud, director for the Office of Studies and Research in the governorate.

Prince Fahd noted that the visa service, for citizens and residents of the Kingdom, is a sign that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US is "growing stronger every day."

Back in February, US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ford M. Fraker had announced the commencement of visa services in Dhahran. He was on hand for the official opening.

"I'm confident this will increase business and tourism and help ordinary Saudis, especially students, to experience the United States and strengthen the already close ties between our two countries," Fraker said. He emphasized that the US mission in Saudi Arabia had "worked very hard for this to happen."

Fraker commended US Consul General in Dhahran John S. Kincannon for his tireless efforts in getting the non-immigrant visa service up and running. He said the approval of many departments within the US government had been required before the visa services in Dhahran could begin.

Last year the US Embassy issued more than 30,000 visas in Saudi Arabia.

Fraker remarked that the processing time for visas has shortened and the visa issuance process has improved. Despite just opening visa services in Dhahran, the waiting time for a visa appointment in Dhahran is already at least 90 days -- although emergency appointments may be granted if requested. In regard to the waiting time, Fraker observed, "If you build it, they will come. There is pent up demand everywhere" for non-immigrant US visa services. When it was pointed out to the ambassador that other Western nations, the UK for example, can issue a visa to a Saudi citizen in under a week, he said, "They have a very different security profile."

In answer to a question concerning less than rapid handling of visas for Saudi government officials, Fraker stated, "There is no distinction between officials and the public when it comes to visas."

Currently there is increased tension in the Kingdom concerning the issuance of visas to the US, due to statements made by the leader of the US Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus, Representative Sue Myrick, a Republican from North Carolina. Myrick wants the US Congress to cancel the scholarship student visa program with Saudi Arabia until there is further reform of Saudi schoolbooks. Myrick also wants to introduce legislation to restrict R-1 religious visas for Muslim clerics from Saudi Arabia and other countries that do not allow reciprocal visits by non-Muslim clergy. Fraker indicated that Myrick's viewpoint and actions were part of the democratic process.

Another area of contention is the process known as the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Under this system, the male nationals of a few countries, mostly Muslim nations including Saudi Arabia, must go through a special registration procedure. Both entry to the US and departure from the US must be registered. NSEERS is a program administered under the US Department of Homeland Security. Lack of compliance with the program can result in the denial of future US visas.

The prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, advises Saudi students and others subject to NSEERS that on the same day of departure from the US, "special registrants must go to a specially designated office in the airport from which the international flight departs. This office may be located in a different part of the airport than the departure gate. Plan accordingly and leave ample time to complete this procedure. Remember, it is better to miss your flight than to fail to register. Individuals who fail to complete the required exit procedures may be barred from re-entering the US indefinitely."

Fraker said that NSEERS is currently under review. During the recent visit of US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to Saudi Arabia, NSEERS and other visa issues were discussed and Fraker anticipates seeing real improvement on this topic.

There will be an opportunity for officials in the Kingdom to present the Saudi point of view on bilateral relations in the near future, as President George W. Bush will be visiting Saudi Arabia to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the formal establishment of Saudi-US relations.

The visit is part of a Middle East trip that will take the president to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel from May 13 to 18. Fraker stated that the president will be in Riyadh for just one night and will not be coming to the Eastern Province to participate in the official celebrations for Saudi Aramco's 75th anniversary, scheduled for May 21.

By Molouk Y. Ba-Isa

© Arab News 2008