Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV/SP)
Mangaluru, Nov 5: Vice-consul at the United States of America (USA) consulate at Chennai, Charles Blake, who noted that the bond of relationship between USA and India has been getting more and more strong, also felt that in near future, this may give rise to an environment for visa-free travel between these two countries.
In reply to a question posed to him during the interaction programme organized in the city on Wednesday November 4 under the aegis of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Blake said that relationship between these two countries has been gaining in strength in commercial and other segments. "Before visa-free travel becomes a reality, a number of institutions and agencies from both the countries will have to get involved with the process and take a decision about it. This development might occur in the future," he clarified.
On the question about of likelihood of bringing in changes in the current practice of collecting fingerprints and conducting interviews separately that are prescribed for issuance of visas to USA, he said that Indians who obtained visa between 2004 and 2008 had been exempt from registering their fingerprints before getting visas. "A system of obtaining visa again for persons who have got visas after 2008 without the requirement to attend an interview again has also been adopted. We are not collecting fingerprints of persons aged less than 14 and over 80. Other than this, I do not see any changes being brought in the current procedure," he explained.
The US deputy consul asserted that those who apply for visas afresh need to take part in the two-phased interview process. "We have been unable to complete the entire process in a single day," he added.
He added that the website of his office has been acclaimed as a very people-friendly website for visa aspirants. "Those who seek visas need to provide replies to specified questions during a specified period. Likewise, every time a person visits USA he will need a visa. There is no scope for any lenience for the present," he added.
About the allegation that USA has been following discriminatory policies on the question of granting visas to people of certain communities, he denied the allegation. He said that it might take time to dispose off some of the applications because of departmental investigations. He said that if anyone feels he is being discriminated against, such cases may be brought to their notice, promising that problems in such cases would be addressed.
Blake said that in case of emergencies, his office has been taking steps for immediate issuance of visas. Likewise, he explained that applications that are submitted in a group like for cultural programmes, sports activities and scientific seminars, get disposed fast.
On this occasion, director of the international airport here, J T Radhakrishna, was felicitated in view of the fact that the airport has recently won the quality commitment award.
KCCI president, Rammohan Pai Maroor, vice-president, Jeevan Saldanha, and secretary, Vatika Pai, were present.