US and Turkey suspend all non-immigrant visa operations
Following the announcement of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the Turkish Embassy in the U.S. announced yesterday that processing non-immigrant visa applications have been suspended.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey is seen in Ankara, Turkey on October 09, 2017. Anadolu Agency
Earlier last week the government had announced that they have completed all necessary and requested documents for the extradition of the criminal cult leader Fetullah Gulen from the U.S.
On Friday Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul stated that there “is no obstacle left formally for his [Gulen’s] extradition.”
While Turkey’s fight against FETO, a terrorist organization which orchestrated the failed coup attempt last year, continues, an employee of the U.S. Embassy in Turkey had also been charged with espionage and seeking to overthrow the Turkish government.
While not mentioning any of the above developments in its statement, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara announced that it has suspended processing non-immigrant visa applications.
A statement issued by the Embassy claimed that recent events have forced the U.S. government to reassess the commitment of the Turkish government to the security of U.S. facilities and personnel.
The statement read: “In order to minimize the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all U.S. diplomatic facilities in Turkey.”
Non-immigrant visas are issued to those travelling to the U.S. for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study.
Turkish Embassy in U.S. retaliates
Following the announcement of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the Turkish Embassy in the U.S. announced yesterday that processing non-immigrant visa applications have been suspended.
The statement released by the Mission read: “Recent events have forced the Turkish Government to reassess the commitment of the Government of the United States to the security of Turkish Mission facilities and personnel.”
“In order to minimize the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa service at all Turkish diplomatic facilities in the U.S.”
“This measure will apply to visas and passports as well as e-Visas acquired at the border,” the statement read.
