The US embassy in Saudi Arabia said Monday it had not changed its policy of granting visas for Saudi nationals and expatriates in the wake of the September 11 terror attacks in New York and Washington.
"Neither the US embassy in Riyadh nor the consulate general in Jeddah has changed its policy in determining visa eligibility as a result of the attacks of September 11," a statement issued by the embassy said.
Non-immigrant visa eligibility "is based on a determination by a consular officer that an applicant has adequate resources to fully fund his or her travel or education in the US" and has the intention of returning home.
The statement was issued following reports that issuance of visas for Saudi nationals has been tightened and that the embassy staff was insisting on personal interviews.
"In most cases, a visa is issued without the necessity of a personal interview," the statement said.
"However, in those cases where the consular officer feels that the information presented is not clear or complete, a personal interview may be requested to clarify the unresolved issues and, ultimately, to determine visa eligibility," it added.
In Saudi Arabia, non-immigrant visa applications are presented through designated travel agents, according to the embassy.
An authorized travel agent told AFP Monday the US embassy was demanding personal interviews with "most of Saudis" who apply for visas.
A majority of the 19 men named by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) as the suspected perpetrators of the attacks are believed to be Saudi nationals.
But Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Sultan said Monday that Riyadh had not received anything official from Washington about the involvement of Saudis in the terror attacks -- RIYADH (AFP)
