07/03/2010
U.S. Consul in Dhahran reviewed the new procedure in Asharqia Chamber.
American Consulates in Saudi Arabia starting to receive electronic visa applications on Monday.
The General Consul of Dhahran General Consulate, Mr. Joseph A. Kenny confirmed that U.S. Consulateoffices in the Kingdom will begin on Monday, March 8th, 2010 to accept electronic visa applications to the United States after being agreed to introduce the electronic system on the new visa application.
Kenny was speaking during his meeting with Asharqia Chamber Chairman,Mr.Abdulrahman bin Rashid Al-Rashid on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the chamber headquarters ,in the presence of a number of board members, business leaders and Chamber General Secretary,Mr.Adnan bin Abdullah Al-Nuaim,and a number of U.S. officials at the consulate.
Kenny explained that the United States now is offering multiple entry visa purposes for a period of 5 years of service added to the Saudi businessmen for business trip and Saudi travelers for tourism, it requires review from the American Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran.
From his part, the chamber chairman, Mr.Abdulrahman Rashid Al Rashid welcomed this step, which would facilitate the tasks of Saudi businessmen in particular, appreciating the Consul Cooperation meet up with Eastern businessmen.
AlRashid said that the relations between Kingdom and United States have been growing since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 75 years ago, noting that the United States has become the largest trading partner and investor in the Kingdom and to maintain this relationship; the U.S. was keen to address the problems related to visas for Saudi businessmen, "AlRashid also urged the U.S. officials to consider the issuance of entry visas for patients with serious illnesses without delay.
Also the number of Saudi students who currently study in various American universities and educational institutions in the United States is increasing more than 24 thousand students, supported by the Saudi scholarship program of King Abdullah, who enriched the number of students studying in the U.S. states.
