-Galla S Kiran Kumar,Bureau Chief Telagana (Andhra Pradesh)
“Slots will be available next year for those waiting for visas to visit the US for the first time. Extensive arrangements are being made. At present we have given high priority to student visas.
We are making extensive arrangements to crack down on
bogus universities
with ‘Eenadu’ US Consulate Consul General in Hyderabad Jennifer Larson book
that Telangana government’s positive attitude is impressing entrepreneurs.
Today, Hyderabad: “Slots will be available next year for those waiting for visas to travel to America for the first time. Extensive arrangements are being made. At present we have given high priority to student visas. Drop box facility is available for renewal of tourist visas. There is no need to appear for interviews directly. We are working to open the new consulate in March and April next year. There are opportunities for establishment of industries in Telugu states. The positive trend followed by the Telangana government is impressing the industrialists,” said Jennifer Larson, Consul General of the American Consulate in Hyderabad, in a special interview given to ‘Eenadu’.
When will tourist visa conditions improve?
Things will be positive from next year onwards. We are trying our best to make tourist visa slots available in the first phase. The lack of slots is not limited to the Hyderabad consulate alone… the situation is the same across the country. Since the beginning of the visa process after Corona, the offices have been understaffed. Staff from US offices in China and the Middle East are coming to work here to increase visa issuance. Staff will be available at pre-Corona levels by June next year.
Why many Telugu students have to go to consulates in Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi even though there is a consulate in Hyderabad?
Visa slots are issued through a centralized system. Not consulate wise. When the slots are released, whoever tries first gets the chance.
What are the protections for Indian students studying in America?
The government prioritizes the protection of students. Before the start of classes we will educate about the situation in America. We will provide information about the campus police. We will deal very strictly with bogus universities. We have closed some in the past.
Is it possible that the US President will attend the inauguration of the new consulate office?
Not enough time to invite the President of the United States. His tours will be finalized before a year. The work on the new office of the Consulate is almost complete. Officials have to come from America to take some permissions. We are trying to open the new consulate building in the financial district in March or April.
Will the USAID office be set up here?
The USAID (The United States Agency for International Development) department has been working in Delhi till date. Soon an officer will work from Hyderabad. USAID is carrying out many projects under this consulate.
Is there a possibility of setting up a consulate in Andhra Pradesh?
There is no such idea at the moment. In the cases of going to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha states, everyone including industrialists are asking.
What role does trade play in bilateral relations between the two countries?
Trade between the two countries has increased eightfold in the past 20 years. At present it has reached the level of 159 billion dollars. Companies like Google, Amazon and Deloitte have set up their largest systems outside America in Hyderabad.
Are any American industries coming to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?
American industrialists are showing enthusiasm for setting up industries in Telugu states. Especially in Telangana the conditions are favourable. The state government is taking a very positive approach. This government is providing all the necessary facilities for the industries to start getting permits quickly. I received a large number of feedback mails from more than 16 aviation industry entrepreneurs after they came and went to Hyderabad. He said that there are positive conditions in Hyderabad for the establishment of industries and government incentives are favourable. There are already more than hundred American industries in Telugu states.
