JEDDAH -- British missions in Saudi Arabia are implementing a new visa procedure. The system, being introduced from Nov. 1, will include a picture of the applicant on the visa.
"The new procedure is to comply with European regulations," John Neil, consul who oversees the visa section at the British Consulate, told Arab News yesterday. The consulate's visa section has new technology to process applications "more quickly," he said, adding that new machine-readable Saudi passports are quicker to process.
The consulate has issued about 17,000 visas so far this year, 10 percent more than in the corresponding period last year. There has also been an increase in the number of Saudi students who pursue their education at British universities.
"We expect to see the number of visas issued rising to 22,000 by the end of 2004," Neil said. The embassy in Riyadh is expected to issue a few thousand visas more than the consulate in Jeddah by the year-end.
The soaring number of visa seekers is attributed to two major factors -- first, the UK continues to be a favorite destination for Saudi travelers and, secondly, the involvement of a streamlined visa operation where applications are submitted, assessed and decided upon.
"Our consulate is the only one in Jeddah to offer same day visa service for applicants," Neil said. This has been made possible by the establishment of a direct satellite link between the consulate and the immigration department in the UK.
Security arrangements at the consulate, which have been stepped up in the recent past, have not disrupted work at the visa section. Visa seekers present at the consulate said the entire process of submission, assessment and decision is faster compared to the situation a year ago. "It took me less than an hour in a queue of 30 people to submit my application and get an OK from one of the officials at the consulate," said Muhammad Faris, a middle-aged Saudi businessman.
Application forms have been updated. "They need to be properly completed and signed by the applicants," Neil said. "We can only provide this level of service if applicants make sure their applications are properly prepared...."
Photographs need to be on a white background as they are scanned into the database. Documents such as evidence of employment and income and bank statements are needed in support of applications.
The consulate has been issuing tourist visas for up to six months and business visas up to two years. "We also issue visas for up to five years in the case of frequent business visitors," said Neil who has been here for two and a half years.
Neil emphasized that visa applications were not being accepted out of normal working hours. "Visitors need to ensure that they make their travel plans and obtain their visas in good time before they intend to travel."
The consulate will soon have a new consul general. Karma Elliot, currently the consul general at the UK's Chong Quing consulate general in china for about four years, will arrive here toward the end of October.
K.S. Ramkumar
© Arab News 2004
