Press Releases

ASSISTANT SECREATARY FOR CONSULAR AFFAIRS MAURA HARTY TO VISIT KOLKATA, OCTOBER 10-11, 2007
 

October 9, 2007

KOLKATA -- United States Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs (CA), Ambassador Maura Harty will be visiting Kolkata, October 10-11.  The Department of State’s CA Bureau oversees all consular-related affairs including visa issuances and service to American citizens traveling or residing abroad.  Ambassador Harty is the top American official on all visa-related matters.

During her tour, Harty plans to hold meetings with business leaders, visit a charitable organization, interact with students who are seeking to study in the U.S., as well as meet with journalists.  She is also scheduled to meet with West Bengal Commerce & Industries Minister Nirupam Sen at the Writers' Buildings to discuss recent economic growth in West Bengal.   Harty will outline the Department of State’s efforts to enhance  visa and consular services in India in response to the very large and increasing Indian demand for travel to the United States.  These consular initiatives will reduce the wait time for visa interviews, improve the visa application experience and support the important bilateral relationship between the United States and India.   

Harty’s visit is the latest in a series of high-level dignitaries from the U.S. Government who have recently visited the city.  This will be Ambassador Harty's second visit to India since her confirmation by the U.S. Senate in November 2002.  Her visit is an acknowledgement of the progress in U.S.–India cooperation and an encouragement for continued dialogue on the most current visa requirements.