The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that it has formally taken up the growing problem of H-1B visa delays with the United States government. Many Indian professionals have complained about long waiting times and difficulties in getting or rescheduling visa appointments.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Indian officials are “actively engaged” with the US authorities to resolve these problems, even though visa decisions are made by each country independently.
“Yes, the government of India has received several representations from Indian nationals who are facing delays or problems with rescheduling of their visa appointments,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.
He explained that while visas fall under the “sovereign domain” of the country issuing them, India has still raised the matter with the US government.
“While we do understand that visa related issue pertains to the sovereign domain of any country. We have flagged these issues and our concerns to the US side, both here in New Delhi and in Washington DC. We hope that these delays and disruptions will be addressed,” he said.
Families and Careers Affected by Visa Delays
Jaiswal said the delays in booking and rescheduling visa appointments have left many Indians stuck for long periods, unable to return to the US for work or studies.
“Due to issues in scheduling and rescheduling of consular appointments, there are several people who have been stranded for extended period of time,” he said.
He added that these problems have badly affected families as well.
The delays “have also caused lots of hardships of their families, to the family life they have as also to the education of their children,” Jaiswal noted.
New US Review Process Worsened the Situation
The MEA spokesperson also referred to a recent change announced by the US government.
“There was a communication from the US government also that with effect from December 15th, they have expanded their review process or processes that they have, which covers specialty occupation temporary H-1b visa applicants and it also is applicable to the dependents who are covered under H4 category visa,” he said.
He pointed out that this new review system applies not only to India but to all countries.
“This particular change that they have introduced is applicable globally to all countries,” he added.
India Continues Talks With the US
The Indian government said it is continuing discussions with the US to reduce the trouble faced by Indian visa applicants.
“The government remains actively engaged with the US side to address the issue and minimise the impact on Indian nationals,” Jaiswal said.
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