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Lasers :
ACTION: CONS
INFO: ADM CG 9/11 Working-level Employee

DISSEMINATION: CONS ....

CHARGE : PROG ""•-,....
APPROVED: CONS : SWBUCK
DRAFTED: CONS :CSCOCKBURN: CSC , i
CLEARED: ADM:JPAIGE, RSO : AKEPCHAR , CONS:KOGLE, CONSJ
VZCZCJII651
RR RUEHC RUEHZM
DE RUEHJI #1212/01 3340740
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 300740Z NOV 98
FM AMCONSUL JEDDAH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1911
INFO RUEHZM/GCC COLLECTIVE
BT
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JEDDAH 001212
OEPT FOR CA/EX, NEA/EX, NEA/ARP, OIG/ISP, M/FSI/SPS,
CA/VO, CA/FPP AND CA/OCS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CMGT, CVIS , CASC, KFRD, ASIG, AFSI
SUBJECT: FY 1998 CONSULAR PACKAGE NARRATIVE- -JEDDAH
REF: STATE 185914
A) NAME OF THE CONSULAR SECTION CHIEF: CARL S. COCKBURN
OFPTCR TELEPHONE OF THE CONSULAR SECTION CHIEF:
| | EXT 4208 _
Ak SEL"1TDN FAX NUMBER;] OR
--'
:B) DO YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES (STAFF, NON- AUTOMATED
'EQUIPMENT, SPACE) TO DO CONSULAR WORK AT YOUR POST THAT
MEET THE MISSION PROGRAM PLAN OBJECTIVES?
--STAFF AND EQUIPMENT ARE GENERALLY ADEQUATE TO DO
CONSULAR WORK. IN THE SUMMER PEAK PERIOD, AT LEAST TWO
ADDITIONAL PART .TIME EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO MEET
NONIMMIGRANT VJSA WORKLOAD DEMANDS. THE SECTION
PERIODICALLY EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS IN COMPLETING TELEPHONE
CALLS OUTSIDE THE CONSULATE.
THE PHYSICAL PLANT IS BARELY ADEQUATE. IN EARLY 1996,
THE CONSULAR SECTION WAS TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO A
PREFABRICATED METAL STRUCTURE BECAUSE OF SECURITY

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CONCERNS. THE STRUCTURE IS RAPIDLY SUCCUMBING TO THE
NATURAL AGING FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TEMPORARY
BUILDINGS.

THERE ARE FIVE NARROW SERVICE WINDOWS IN THE SECTION FOR

INTERVIEWS AND FEE COLLECTIONS. THE WINDOWS PROVIDE NO
PRIVACY FOR CLIENTS AND THE NOISE LEVELS RESULT IN POOR
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN CLIENTS AND CONSULAR EMPLOYEES. •
SECTION OFFICES ARE INADEQUATE AND INACCESSIBLE FOR
MEETINGS WITH VISITORS AND CLIENTS.
THE CONSULAR FACILITIES PROJECT AN UNFAVORABLE IMAGE. IN
ADDITION, ACCESS BY CLIENTS TO THE SECTION IS A PUBLIC
RELATIONS ISSUE. CLIENTS MUST WALK SOME 215 YARDS FROM
THE CONSULATE ENTRANCE TO THE CONSULAR SECTION ON AN
UNCOVERED WALKWAY IN TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING 100F DEGREES.

WHILE FBO AWARDED A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE

CONSULAR SECTION/USIS ANNEX IN JUNE 1998, THE CONTRACTOR
HAD DIFFICULTY POSTING A BONO, CAUSING A DELAY. IT IS
NOW ANTICIPATED THAT CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN EARLY IN
1999.

C) IS YOUR AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT (BOTH CA PROVIDED AND

POST PROVIDED) ADEQUATE TO YOUR SECTION'S NEEDS? ARE
POST PERSONNEL BOTH WITHIN THE CONSULAR. SECTION AND IN
ADMIN/IM FULLY TRAINED ON THE OPERATION ANO SUPPORT OF
CONSULAR SYSTEMS?
--AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT IS GENERALLY ADEQUATE TO THE
CONSULAR SECTION'S NEEDS. THE INSTALLATION OF ANO
TRAINING ON THE MODERNIZED CONSULAR SYSTEMS WILL BE
COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1998. ALL CONSULAR EMPLOYEES AND
SYSTEMS PERSONNEL ARE BEING TRAINED ON THE MODERNIZED
SYSTEMS.
THE MODERNIZED ACS SYSTEM'S WARDEN/REGISTRATION PROGRAM
PRESENTED UNEXPECTED CONVERSION PROBLEMS. THE MODERNIZED
SYSTEM IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE TO ACCOMMODATE THE
CONSULATE'S ORGANIZATION-BASED WARDEN/REGISTRATION
SYSTEM.
D) IF YOU ANTICIPATE A WORKLOAD CHANGE OVER THE NEXT TWO
YEARS, PLEASE DISCUSS THE UNDERLYING FACTORS ANO
RECOMMENDED PERSONNEL CHANGES.

--POST'S CONSULAR WORKLOAD SHOULD REMAIN CONSTANT OVER

THE NEXT TWO YEARS. THE INTRODUCTION OF ADDITIONAL
CONSULAR AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT AT A POST WITH VERY LIMITED
ADM/IM RESOURCES WILL REQUIRE ONE FSN CONSULAR EMPLOYEE
TO DEVOTE PART OF HIS TIME TO SYSTEM MAINTENANCE ANO
TROUBLE SHOOTING.

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E) WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR ACS WORK ARE THE MOST DEMANDING?

--SAUDI LAW AND CUSTOM ARE UNCOMPROMISING WITH RESPECT TO

FAMILY AND GENDER ISSUES, MAKING THEIR EQUITABLE
RESOLUTION DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE.

GENERALLY, PROTECTIVE SERVICES REQUIRE FREQUENT AND

EXTENSIVE CONTACTS WITH THE SAUDI BUREAUCRACY. FOR
EXAMPLE, A NUMBER OF SAUDI GOVERNMENT OFFICES MAY HAVE TO
BE CONTACTED TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER AN AMERICAN CITIZEN HAS
BEEN ARRESTED AND TO LOCATE THE INDIVIDUAL. A VISIT TO A
DETAINED AMERICAN MAY BE DELAYED FOR TWO WEEKS BECAUSE
VISITS MUST BE REQUESTED BY DIPLOMATIC NOTE. CASES
INVOLVING ASSISTANCE WITH LOCAL AUTHOR
ITIES POSE SIMILAR
PROBLEMS IN OEALING WITH THE SAUDI BUREAUCRACY.

THE ANNUAL HAJJ PILGRIMAGE PLACES SPECIAL DEMANDS ON THE

CONSULAR SECTION. THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS, AMONG THE TWO
MILLION MUSLIM FAITHFULS, MAKING THE PILGRIMAGE GROWS
EACH YEAR (ESTIMATED 4500 FOR 1999).

F) WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR NIV WORK ARE THE MOST DEMANDING?

--A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS
ARE THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS. MOST TCN APPLICANTS ARE
INTERVIEWED. BECAUSE THERE IS NO LAWFUL PERMANENT
RESIDENCE STATUS FOR NON-SAUOIS AND THE SAUOI
GOVERNMENT'S POLICY IS TO REPLACE FOREIGN WORKERS WITH
SAUOI NATIONALS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE THE
NONIMMIGRANT BONA FIDES OF TCN APPLICANTS.

G) WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR NIV APPLICANTS ARE NON-HOST

COUNTRY (TCN) RESIDENTS?
NIV: 45 PERCENT

FROM WHICH COUNTRIES ARE THEY?

--YEMEN, INDIA, PAKISTAN, JORDAN, EGYPT, THE PHILIPPINES

H) IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN ANY BEST PRACTICES

THAT ARE NOT LISTED IN QUESTIONS 1-17 ON THE BP
SCHEDULE PLEASE DESCRIBE THEM.

--THE CONSULATE HAS BEEN PROACTIVE IN ENCOURAGING CITIZEN

REGISTRATIONS. IN FY 1998, REGISTRATIONS INCREASED BY 20
PERCENT. AMERICANS WHO ATTEND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS ON THE
CONSULATE COMPOUND ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER. MEMBERS OF
THE CONSULATE'S EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION ARE ASKED TO INVITE
ONLY RESIDENT AMERICANS WHO ARE REGISTERED WITH THE
CONSULATE TO ASSOCIATION SPONSORED SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.

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Lasers :
ACTION: CONS #73
INFO : CG
/9/11 Working-level Employee
DISSEMINATION: CONS
CHARGE: PROG
APPROVED: CONS:CSCOCKBURN
DRAFTED: CONS iSABAUAHJ..;'SAB 41
CLEARED: CONS
VZCZCJII196
RR RUEHC RUEHRH RUQMDH
DE RUEHJI #1254 3240738
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 200738Z NOV 99
FM AMCONSUL JEDDAH
TO RUEHC/ SECSTATE WASHDC 0441
INFO RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH 0925
RUQMDH/ AMCONSUL DHAHRAN 1239
BT
UNCLAS JEDDAH 001254
STATE FOR CA/EX
E.G. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CMGT, CVIS, CASC, KFRD, ASIG, AFSI, SA
SUBJECT: FY-1999 CONSULAR PACKAGE.
FY-1999 CONSULAR PACKAGE DISKETTE AND PRINTOUT WERE
FORWARDED TO THE DEPARTMENT ON NOVEMBER 16 UNDER REGISTRY
NUMBER 4303514 .
BALTIMORE
UNCLASSIFIED 1
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UNCLAS JEDDAH 01225
Lasers:
ACTION: CONS
INFO: ADM CG
DISSEMINATION: CONS
CHARGE: PROG
APPROVED: CONS:RLBALTIMORE
DRAFTED: CONS:CSCOCKBURN:CSC
CLEARED: ADM:WSHOLDEN, RCO:AJKEPCHAR, ADMC: RLGAIN, CONS:AHMILLS,

VZCZCJII986
RR RUEHC RUEHZM RUEHRH RUQMDH
DE RUEHJI #1225/01 3130806
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 090806Z NOV 99
FM AMCONSUL JEDDAH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0407
INFO RUEHZM/GCC COLLECTIVE
RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH 0897
RUQMDH/AMCONSUL DHAHRAN 1228
BT
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 JEDDAH 001225
DEPT FOR CA/EX, NEA/EX, NEA/ARP, DIG/ISP, M/FSI/SPS,
CA/VO, CA/FPP AND CA/OCS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CMGT, CVIS, CASC, KFRD, ASIG, AFSI
SUBJECT: FY 1999 CONSULAR PACKAGE NARRATIVE--JEDDAH
REF: STATE 177931
A) NAME OF THE CONSULAR SECTION CHIEF: CARL S. COCKBURN
OFFICE TELEPHONE OF THE CONSULAR SECTION CHIEF:
I | EXT 4208, (IVG: -I 1
.
rONSTTT.AR S'm'TrON FAX NUMBER: \ OR
i '
;B) DO YOU HAVE THE RESOUCES (STAFF, NON- AUTOMATED
EQUIPMENT, SPACE) TO p0 CONSULAR WORK AT YOUR POST THAT
MEET THE MISSION PROGRAM PLAN OBJECTIVES? PLEASE
DISCUSS. IF NOT, WHAT DO YOU NEED AND WHY? PLEASE BE
SPECIFIC. REPORT'" HERE ANY ONGOING OR PROJECTED
RENOVATION PROJECTS AND HIGHLIGHT ANY PROBLEM AREAS.
STAFF AND EQUIPMENT ARE GENERALLY ADEQUATE TO DO
CONSULAR WORK. IN THE SUMMER PEAK PERIOD AT LEAST TWO
ADDITIONAL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES AND TWENTY ADDITIONAL
MRV CASHIER HOURS PER WEEK ARE REQUIRED TO MEET
NONIMMIGRANT VISA WORKLOAD DEMANDS. BECAUSE TOO MANY

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SECURITY GUARD HOURS ARE DEVOTED TO CONSULAR RECEPTION
DUTIES, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ARRANGE FOR DEDICATED
GUARD POSITIONS FOR THESE FUNCTIONS.
MUCH NEEDED OFFICE FURNITURE WAS ORDERED IN FY 1999
FOR DELIVERY TO THE SECTION IN THE NEW FISCAL YEAR.
THE CONSULAR SECTION REQUESTED REPLACEMENT OF ITS
COPIER, WHICH REQUIRES WEEKLY SERVICING. TO BE
ADEQUATELY PREPARED IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, POST
WILL INSTALL WARDEN FAXNET ON LAP TOP COMPUTER. THIS
WILL ENHANCE CRISIS MANAGEMENT PREPAREDENESS. BECAUSE
OF THE LACK OF COMMUNICATION LINE CAPACITY IN JEDDAH,
WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCESS THE DEPARTMENT'S INTRANET OR
INSTALL NEW APPLICATIONS.
THE CONSULATE PERIODICALLY EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS
COMPLETING TELEPHONE CALLS OUTSIDE THE CONSULATE.
CONSULAR OFFICERS WITHOUT PRIVATE PHONE LINES AT HOME
HAVE DIFFICULTIES MAKING LONG DISTANCE CALLS IN
EMERGENCIES. OFTEN, WE RELY ON CELLULAR TELEPHONES.
THE SECTION REQUIRES TWO CELLULAR PHONES TO REPLACE
AGING ONES PROVIDED BY ADM/IM.
OUR CURRENT PHYSICAL PLANT IS INADEQUATE. .SINCE 1996,
THE CONSULAR SECTION HAS BEEN LOCATED IN A
PREFABRICATED METAL STRUCTURE. THERE ARE FIVE NARROW
SERVICE WINDOWS IN THE SECTION FOR INTERVIEWS AND FEE
COLLECTIONS. THE WINDOWS PROVIDE NO PRIVACY FOR
CLIENTS AND THE NOISE LEVELS RESULT IN POOR
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN CLIENTS AND CONSULAR EMPLOYEES.
SECTION OFFICES ARE ALSO INADEQUATE AND INACCESSIBLE
FOR MEETINGS WITH VISITORS AND CLIENTS.
CLIENTS NOW WALK SOME 215 YARDS FROM THE CONSULATE
ENTRANCE TO THE CONSULAR SECTION ON AN UNCOVERED
WALKWAY IN TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING 100F DEGREES.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE CONSULAR SECTION/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
ANNEX IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN DECEMBER 1999.
THE SECTION SHOULD BE RELOCATED TO THE NEW FACILITIES
BY MARCH 2000.
C) HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR CONSULAR SECTION'S
SATISFACTION WITH THE AUTOMATED CONSULAR SYSTEMS.
(EXCELLENT, GOOD, AVERAGE, POOR)? ARE THERE ANY
UNRESOLVED SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE ISSUES? HOW DO YOU RATE
THE TRAINING OF POST PERSONNEL, BOTH WITHIN THE CONSULAR
SECTION AND IN ADMIN/IM ON THE USE AND SUPPORT OF
CONSULAR SYSTEMS (EXCELLENT, GOOD, AVERAGE, POOR)? WHAT
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE WOULD YOU NEED FROM THE NEXT TRAINING
AND REFRESHER TEAMS COMING FROM THE CONSULAR SYSTEMS

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DIVISION TO ASSIST CONSULAR SYSTEMS USERS.

OUR LEVEL OF SATISFACTION WITH AUTOMATED CONSULAR

SYSTEMS IS GOOD.
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE CA SUPPORT DESK FOR ITS
HELPING US TO RESOLVE THE POST-MODERNIZED
INSTALLATION PROBLEMS WITH OUR REGISTRATION/WARDEN
SYSTEM. WHEN THE SECTION IS RELOCATED, WE WILL USE
OUR BACKUP PC AND A DATA ENTRY PC FOR WINDOW
ADJUDICATIONS. WE NOW HAVE NO PCS AT WINDOWS, FOUR
PCS FOR DATA ENTRY AND ONE BACKUP PC. WE COULD MANAGE
WITH ONE LESS DATA ENTRY PC BUT WILL HAVE TO REPLACE
THE BACKUP UNIT.

TRAINING OF POST PERSONNEL ON THE USE AND SUPPORT OF

CONSULAR AUTOMATED SYSTEMS IS GOOD. POST'S FSN
SYSTEMS MANAGER RECEIVED NFACT TRAINING ON CONSULAR
SYSTEMS IN SEPTEMBER 1999. HIS BACKUP, WHO IS A
CONSULAR ASSISTANT, WOULD BENEFIT FROM SIMILAR
STATESIDE TRAINING.

D) IF YOU ANTICIPATE A WORKLOAD CHANGE OVER THE NEXT TWO

YEARS, PLEASE DISCUSS THE UNDERLYING FACTORS AND
RECOMMENDED PERSONNEL CHANGES.
WE ANTICIPATE A MODERATE INCREASE OF ABOUT 10 PERCENT
IN OUR NIV ISSUANCES OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS IF A NEW
VISA FEE RECIPROCITY SCHEDULE IS FINALIZED AND IF
PETROLEUM PRICES REMAIN STRONG. CURRENT NIV
PERSONNEL LEVEL SHOULD BE ADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE
ADDITIONAL VOLUME.
BARRING A DOWNTURN IN THE U.S. ECONOMY AND SECURITY
CONCERNS IN THE REGION, THE NUMBER OF AMERICAN
PILGRIMS TO THE ANNUAL HAJJ SHOULD REMAIN CLOSE TO
THE RECORD FIGURE OF 1999 (6,200). THE PRESENCE OF
AN ADDITIONAL 5,000 TO 6,000 U.S. CITIZENS IN OUR
CONSULAR DISTRICT, AND AN ESTIMATED 5,000 LEGAL
PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. WHO MAKE THE
PILGRIMAGE WILL PLACE EXTRAORDINARY DEMANDS ON OUR
SECTION FOR ACS, LPR DOCUMENTARY SERVICES AND
INEVITABLE ANTI-FRAUD EFFORTS. WE ANTICIPATE HAVING
TO DETAIL-IN EMPLOYEES FROM OTHER CONSULATE SECTIONS
AND OBTAIN FUNDING FOR TRAVEL AND LODGING, TO SERVE
OUR CITIZENS ON THE HAJJ PILGRIMAGE.

E) WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR ACS WORK ARE THE MOST DEMANDING?

SAUDI LAW AND CUSTOM ARE UNCOMPROMISING WITH RESPECT

TO FAMILY AND GENDER ISSUES, MAKING THEIR EQUITABLE
RESOLUTION DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE.

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GENERALLY, PROTECTIVE SERVICES REQUIRE FREQUENT AND

EXTENSIVE CONTACTS WITH THE SAUDI BUREAUCRACY. FOR
EXAMPLE, A NUMBER OF SAUDI GOVERNMENT OFFICES MAY
HAVE TO BE CONTACTED TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER AN AMERICAN
CITIZEN HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND TO LOCATE THE
INDIVIDUAL. A VISIT TO A DETAINED AMERICAN MAY BE
DELAYED FOR TWO WEEKS BECAUSE VISITS MUST BE
REQUESTED BY DIPLOMATIC NOTE. OTHER SERVICES, SUCH
AS DEATH CASES AND W/W REQUESTS, POSE SIMILAR
PROBLEMS IN DEALING WITH THE SAUDI BUREAUCRACY.

THE ANNUAL HAJJ PILGRIMAGE PLACES SPECIAL DEMANDS ON

THE CONSULAR SECTION. THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS, AMONG
THE TWO MILLION MUSLIM FAITHFUL, WHO MAKE THE
PILGRIMAGE GROWS EACH YEAR (ACTUAL 6200 IN 1999) .

F) WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR NIV AND IV WORK ARE THE MOST

DEMANDING?

NIVS: A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF NONIMMIGRANT VISA

APPLICANTS ARE THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS. MOST TCN
APPLICANTS ARE INTERVIEWED. BECAUSE THERE IS NO
LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS FOR NON-SAUDIS AND
THE SAUDI GOVERNMENT'S POLICY IS TO REPLACE FOREIGN
WORKERS WITH SAUDI NATIONALS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO
DETERMINE THE NONIMMIGRANT BONA FIDES OF TCN
APPLICANTS.

IV: POST DOES NOT PROCESS IV APPLICATIONS.

DVS: THERE IS GREAT DEMAND FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE

DV PROGRAM FROM THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS. THIS RESULTS
IN SERIOUS PRESSURES AND A DRAIN ON POST'S RESOURCES
SUCH AS PRINTING EXPENSES, TIME DEVOTED BY SECURITY
GUARDS TO HAND OUT INFORMATION SHEETS, AND THE TIME
SPENT BY CONSULAR PERSONNEL RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES.

G) WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR NIV APPLICANTS ARE NON-HOST

COUNTRY (TCN) RESIDENTS?

NIV: 40 PERCENT

--FROM WHICH COUNTRIES ARE THEY?

YEMEN, INDIA, PAKISTAN, JORDAN, EGYPT, THE
PHILIPPINES
H) UNDER A 1997 AMENDMENT TO INA 245(1), MOST OUT OF
STATUS ALIENS WHOSE IV PETITIONS WERE FILED ON OR AFTER
JANUARY 15, 1998, ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR

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ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS IN THE US AND MUST TRAVEL ABROAD AND
APPLY FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA. WHAT HAS BEEN THE IMPACT OF
THIS AMENDMENT ON YOUR WORKLOAD?
NA.
H) ANTI-FRAUD EFFORTS: PLEASE COMMENT ON ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING ANTI-FRAUD EFFORTS IN PLACE AT YOUR POST:
--FREQUENCY OF TRAINING CONDUCTED FOR CONSULAR OFFICERS,
FSNS AND KEY CONTACTS:
LOCAL PASSPORT AND IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS HAVE
INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD WELCOME INS ANTI-FRAUD
TRAINING. PREVIOUSLY PLANNED TRAINING WAS CANCELLED
DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEMS WITH OTHER POSTS. THE
LOCAL SAUDI PASSPORT OFFICE ALSO OFFERED TO PROVIDE
SOME TRAINING TO CONSULATE EMPLOYEES ON SAUDI
DOCUMENTATION.
--LIAISON WORK THAT HAS PROVEN EFFECTIVE:
POST'S COOPERATION WITH SAUDI PASSPORT AND SECURITY
OFFICIALS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF AT LEAST THREE
THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS WHO WERE ATTEMPTING TO
PROCURE U.S. VISAS WITH PHOTOSUBSTITUTED SAUDI
PASSPORTS AND ONE SAUDI NATIONAL WHO ALLEGEDLY SOLD
HIS PASSPORT.
--APPLICATIONS OF DATABASES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
TO DEFEAT FRAUD. PLEASE DESCRIBE SPECIAL INNOVATIONS AND
THEIR USEFULNESS:
IN 1998, OUR NIV CHIEF COMPILED A DATABASE OF B-l
ISSUANCES TO DOMESTIC SERVANTS TO ENABLE OFFICERS TO
PERFORM VISA VALIDATION SURVEYS ON A GROUP DEEMED TO
BE HIGH RISK. UNFORTUNATELY, THE TOOL PROVED TO BE
OF LIMITED UTILITY SINCE MOST EMPLOYERS DID NOT
COOPERATE WITH CONSULATE SURVEY EFFORTS.
J) BEST PRACTICES: IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN ANY
BEST PRACTICES THAT ARE NOT LISTED IN QUESTIONS 1-22 ON
THE BEST PRACTICES SCHEDULE IN THE DATA PORTION, PLEASE
DESCRIBE THEM.
NONE
--IF YOU WISH TO CLARIFY OR ADD ANY ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION TO THAT ALREADY PROVIDED IN YOUR ANSWERS TO
QUESTION 1-22 ON THE BEST PRACTICES SCHEDULE, PLEASE DO
SO HERE. PLEASE ALSO ADVISE IF IN THE PAST YEAR POST
DISCONTINUED ANY BEST PRACTICES THAT IT HAD IMPLEMENTED

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EARLIER. IF SO, PLEASE GIVE REASONS FOR THE TERMINATION.
NONE
--COMMENT ON STATISTICAL PORTION:
PASSPORT SCHEDULE-AN INCREASE IN PASSPORT SERVICES IS .
ANTICIPATED BECAUSE OF THE GROWTH IN NUMBER OF AMCIT
HAJJ PILGRIMS.
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UNCLASSIFIED
PROG: XX/XX/XX
APPRV: RLBALTIMORE
DRFTD:AHMILLS
RCO:TFUREY; ADMC: LBLACKBURN; CONS:
LMEALEY;
DISTR: CG; CONS; ADM
9/11 Working-level Employee
AMCONSUL JEDDAH
SECSTATE WASHDC
AMEMBASSY RIYADH
INFO AMCONSUL DHAHRAN
GCC COLLECTIVE

DEPT FOR CA/EX, NEA/EX, NEA/ARP, OIG/ISP,\,

CA/VO, CA/FPP, CA/OCS \. 12958: N/A

TAGS: CMGT, CVIS, CASC, KFRD, ASIG, AFS?, SA

SUBJECT: FY 2000 CONSULAR PACKAGE NARRATIVE — JEDDAH

REF: 00 STATE 2 0 8 0 6 5

A) CONSULAR SECTION CHIEF:[

TELEPHONE:]
FAX:I I
B) DO YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES (STAFF, NON-AUTOMATED
EQUIPMENT, SPACE) TO DO CONSULAR WORK AT YOUR POST THAT
MEEETS THE MISSION PROGRAM PLAN OBJECTIVES?

STAFF AND EQUIPMENT ARE ADEQUATE FOR OUR CURRENT WORKLOAD.

IN THE SUMMER PEAK PERIOD (MAY-JULY) WE HAVE TRADITIONALLY
TAKEN ON TWO ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND INCREASED
fHE MRV CASHIER TO FULL TIME TO MEET VISA DEMANDS. LAST
/SUMMER IT PROVED DIFFICULT TO FIND SATISFACTORY TEMPORARY
HELP AND WE INTEND TO IDENTIFY PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES MUCH
EARLIER THIS YEAR.

BEGINNING IN AUGUST 2000, JEDDAH CEASED ISSUING U.S.

PASSPORTS. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AND APPROVED IN
JEDDAH, WITH MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS (MRP)
SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED FROM RIYADH AND POUCHED FOR RETURN TO
JEDDAH. THE PROGRAM HAS PROVED SUCCESSFUL, AND THE TIME
SAVED IN PASSPORT BOOK PRODUCTION HAS ALLOWED JEDDAH'S
PASSPORT AND CITIZENSHIP FSN TO ASSIST IN REVAMPING THE

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WARDEN SYSTEM AND IN CLOSER MONITORING OF INCREASINGLY
COMPLICATED CHILD CUSTODY CASES.

IN APRIL 2000 THE CONSULAR SECTION MOVED TO A NEW

BUILDING, TO BE SHARED WITH PUBLIC DIPLOMACY, ADJACENT TO
THE CHANCERY. THE DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN OUR PHYSICAL
PLANT HAS STRENGTHENED EMPLOYEE MORALE AS WELL AS CUSTOMER
SERVICE. LARGE WINDOWS WITH FLAT SCREEN PCS MAKE
IMMEDIATE OFFICER VISA ADJUDICATION SIMPLE. THE ADDITION
OF A PRIVACY BOOTH FOR SENSITIVE INTERVIEWS HAS ENHANCED
OUR ABILITY TO ASSIST BOTH VISA APPLICANTS AND AMERICAN
CITIZENS.

HOWEVER, SOME DRAWBACKS REMAIN. LACK OF OFF-SITE FEE

COLLECTION MAKES WAITING ROOM SPACE INADEQUATE DURING THE
PEAK VISA SEASON. THERE ARE ISSUES OF SECURE ACCESS AND AN
UNCOVERED OUTDOOR OVERFLOW WAITING AREA. IN CONJUNCTION
WITH EMBASSY RIYADH, WE ARE EXPLORING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
TO PEAK SEASON TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, SUCH AS RESURRECTING OFF-
SITE FEE COLLECTION PLANS AND OTHER NON-INTERVIEW OPTIONS
FOR SAUDI NATIONALS. WE ANTICIPATE FBO ASSISTANCE IN
COVERING THE WALKWAY AND OUTDOOR WAITING AREA ONCE
SECURITY ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED.

C) HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR CONSULAR SECTION'S SATISFACTION

WITH THE AUTOMATED CONSULAR SYSTEMS? ARE THERE ANY
UNRESOLVED HARDWARE ISSUES? HOW DO YOU RATE THE TRAINING
OF POST PERSONNEL BOTH WITHIN THE CONSULAR SECTION AND IN
ADMIN/IM ON THE USE AND SUPPORT OF CONSULAR SYSTEMS? WHAT
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE WOULD YOU NEED TO FROM THE NEXT
TRAINING AND REFRESHER TEAMS COMING FROM THE CONSULAR
SYSTEMS DIVISION TO ASSIST CONSULAR SYSTEMS USERS?

OUR LEVEL OF SATISFACTION WITH AUTOMATED CONSULAR SYSTEMS

IS GOOD. ALL SUBSEQUENT UPGRADES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED
WITHOUT DIFFICULTIES, AND THE CA SUPPORT DESK HAS BEEN
PROMPT AND HELPFUL ON THOSE FEW OCCASIONS WHEN WE HAVE
CALLED WITH MINOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS. WITH OUR NEW
HARDWARE, WINDOW ADJUDICATION OF NIVS IS NOW NORMAL
PRACTICE. THE CONSULAR FSN WHO SERVES AS BACKUP SYSTEMS
MANAGER RECECIVED NEEDED TRAINING IN BANGKOK IN 2000, AND
IS NOW FULLY COMPETENT TO DEAL WITH THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS
OF CONSULAR SYSTEMS.

D) IF YOU ANTICIPATE A WORKLOAD CHANGE OVER THE NEXT TWO

YEARS, PLEASE DISCUSS THE UNDERLYING FACTORS AND
RECOMMENDED PERSONNEL CHANGES.
IN LATE 1999 JEDDAH BEGAN ROUTINELY ISSUING TWO-YEAR
MULTIPLE ENTRY VISAS TO SAUDI NATIONALS. THIS WILL LIKELY
GIVE RISE TO A SLIGHT "WAVE EFFECT" IN TWO YEARS, AS
EXPIRED 2000 VISAS COME FOR RENEWAL. BUT AS MOST SAUDI
CASES ARE DROPBOX ELIGIBLE ALREADY, WE DO NOT ANTICIPATE
ANY NEED FOR ADDITIONAL NIV RESOURCES.

IN MARKED CONTRAST TO LAST YEAR'S NARRATIVE, WE HAVE FEW

CURRENT WORKLOAD CONCERNS ON THE IMPACT OF U.S. CITIZENS
PARTICIPATING IN THE ANNUAL HAJJ PILGRIMAGE. NUMBERS OF
U.S. PARTICIPANTS DECREASED IN 2000 (6200 IN 1999, 4500 in
2000) AND THE EXCELLENT ORGANIZATION OF THE SAUDI HAJJ
MINISTRY INCREASES IN SOPHISTICATION EVERY YEAR, MAKING
ROUTINE W/W INQUIRIES AND LOST DOCUMENT CASES MUCH EASIER
TO DEAL WITH. ALTHOUGH ACS WORK FOR HAJJ SEASON IS
UNPREDICTABLE, OUR CURRENT STAFFING IS ADEQUATE TO SEE US
THROUGH ALL BUT CATASTROPHIC OCCURENCES.

E) WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR ACS WORK ARE MOST DEMANDING?

CHILD CUSTODY CASES, SPOUSAL ABUSE, AND OTHER FAMILY

DISPUTES BETWEEN U.S. CITIZENS AND SAUDI NATIONALS ARE THE
MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES FACING THE JEDDAH CONSULAR SECTION.
THESE CASES, ROOTED AS THEY ARE IN SAUDI ISLAMIC LAW AND
CUSTOM, AND OFTEN DIRECTLY IN CONFLICT WITH U.S. LAW, ARE
INVARIABLY CONTENTIOUS AND EMOTIONAL. MORE OFTEN THAN
NOT, THE PROBLEM IS UNRESOLVABLE IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER
FOR THE U.S. CITIZEN.

THE SAUDI BUREAUCRACY IS OFTEN UNRESPONSIVE IN THE INITIAL

STAGE OF ACS CASES, SUCH AS ARREST NOTIFICATION OR DEATH
OF A U.S. CITIZEN VISITING THE KINGDOM.

CONTRACTUAL DISPUTES BETWEEN U.S. CITIZENS AND SAUDI

SPONSORS ARE FREQUENT. WHILE REDRESS THROUGH SAUDI LABOR
COURTS IS POSSIBLE, THE PROCESS IS TIME-CONSUMING AND
OFTEN THE U.S. EMPLOYEE IS AT A DISADVANTAGE. U.S.
EMPLOYEES ARE DISTRESSED TO DISCOVER THAT THE CONSULATE IS
UNABLE TO INTERVENE EFFECTIVELY ON THEIR BEHALF IN THESE
DISPUTES.

F) WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR NIV AND IV WORK ARE MOST

DEMANDING?

NIVS: APPROXIMATELY 35% OF NIV APPLICANTS ARE THIRD

COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNS). MOST TCN APPLICANTS ARE
INTERVIEWED. OUTSIDE OF EMPLOYMENT, THERE IS NO LAWFUL
PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS FOR NON-SAUDIS, AND BECAUSE THE
SAUDI GOVERNMENT'S STATED POLICY IS TO REPLACE FOREIGN
WORKERS WITH SAUDI NATIONALS, IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO
ESTABLISH THE NON-IMMIGRANT BONA FIDES OF TCN APPLICANTS.

THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE OF DOMESTIC SERVANTS, MANY OF WHOM

ARE RECENTLY ARRIVED IN THE KINGDOM WHEN THEIR SAUDI
SPONSORS MAKE APPLICATIONS FOR THEM. SAUDI SPONSORS, BOTH
DIPLOMATIC AND PRIVATE, ARE NOT ADVERSE TO APPLYING
PRESSURE WHEN DOMESTIC EMPLOYEES ARE DENIED.

IV: POST DOES NOT PROCESS IV APPLICATIONS.

DV: AS THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN THE DV

PROGRAM AMONG TCNS, THERE ARE SERIOUS PRESSURES ON
RESOURCES: PRINTING EXPENSES FOR DV INFORMATION SHEETS,
SUPERVISING LOCAL SECURITY GUARDS IN HANDING OUT
INFORMATION SHEETS, AND TIME SPENT BY CONSULAR PERSONNEL
RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES.

G) WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR NIV AND IV APPLICANTS ARE NON-

HOST COUNTRY (TCN) RESIDENTS?

NIV: 35 PERCENT

— FROM WHICH COUNTRIES ARE THEY?

YEMEN, PAKISTAN, INDONESIA, INDIA, SUDAN, THE PHILIPPINES,

JORDAN, SYRIA, EGYPT, LEBANON, ERITREA, SOMALIA

H) WHAT HAS BEEN THE IMPACT OF THE AMENDMENT TO INA 245

(I) REGARDING OUT-OF-STATUS APPLICANTS FOR IVS?

NA

I) ANTI-FRAUD EFFORTS: JEDDAH IS A LOW FRAUD POST. IN THE

PAST THERE HAVE BEEN ISOLATED CASES OF MISUSE OF SAUDI
PASSPORTS BY EITHER PHOTOSUBBING OR USE BY IMPOSTERS TO
GAIN U.S. VISAS. WHEN DISCOVERED, SAUDI AUTHORITIES
QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY HANDLED THESE ATTEMPTS. SAUDI
AUTHORITIES ARE PROCEEDING WITH PLANS TO INTRODUCE A
MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT (MRP), BUT THE TIMEFRAME IS
UNDETERMINED.

FREQUENCY OF TRAINING CONDUCTED FOR CONSULAR OFFICERS,

FSNS AND KEY CONTACTS:
LOCAL PASSPORT AND IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS HAVE AGAIN
INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD WELCOME INS DOCUMENT TRAINING.
WE BELIEVE THIS WOULD BE ESPECIALLY USEFUL GIVEN THE
SECURITY FEATURES OF THE NEW LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT
DOCUMENTS, AND THE NEW U.S. PASSPORT.

J) BEST PRACTICES: IN AUGUST 2000 JEDDAH DISCONTINUED THE

ISSUANCE OF OLD-STYLE HAND-PRODUCED PASSPORTS, INSTEAD
FORWARDING ALL APPLICATIONS TO RIYADH FOR ISSUANCE OF
MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS (MRPS). TURNAROUND TIME HAS
INCREASED FROM NEXT DAY TO ONE WEEK DUE TO THE POUCH
SCHEDULE FOR REURN OF PASSPORTS, BUT THE PRACTICE HAS BEEN
VERY SUCCESSFUL. CUSTOMERS ACCEPT THE NEED FOR A MORE
SECURE DOCUMENT, AND MANY HAVE BEEN ENTHUSIASTIC IN
WELCOMING THE CHANGE. WE HAVE ISSUED ONLY FOUR EMERGENCY
PASSPORTS SINCE AUGUST.

K) CLARIFICATIONS TO THE CWSS SPREADSHEET:

DETAIL OUT HOURS: HOURS REFLECT PREVIOUS CONSULAR CHIEF'S

SERVING AS ACTING PRINCIPAL OFFICER FOR EXTENSIVE PERIODS.

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Employee
DISSEMINATION: CG /I
CHARGE: PROG
APPROVED: APPRV:RLBALTIMORE
DRAFTED: DRFTD:MAORDONEZ
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 JEDDAH 001185
RIYADH ALSO FOR DHAHRAN
DEPT FOR CA/EX, NEA/EX, NEA/ARP, OIG/ISP, M/FSI/SPAS,
CA/VO, CA/FPP, CA/OCS
RIYADH FOR RCO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CMGT, SA
SUBJECT: FY 2001 CONSULAR PACKAGE NARRATIVE -- JEDDAH
REF: STATE 199677
A) Consular Section rh-jpf: Micmel Ordonez
Telephone: 1 y ^
Fax: I /E-mail|
B a c k-up Consular Officer (ACS Chief) : Loren Mealev, ETD
9/2003. Telephone! ~\ext. 4192. E-mail:
" ^ ^
B) Do you have the resources (staff, equipment, space) to
do consular work at your post that meets the Mission
Program Plan objectives? (If you believe you do not have
the necessary resources, please specify what it is your
post needs in order to adequately meet its

9/11 Personal UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185

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 UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185
responsibilities. If you believe you need more staff,
please specify the number and type of personnel you need,
the duties such personnel would perform and the level or
grade at which they would ideally function.)
Staff and equipment and space are generally adequate for
our current workload during most of the year. In the
summer peak period (May - mid August) we have
traditionally taken on two additional full-time temporary
employees and increased the MRV cashier to full time to
meet visa demands. A full time PIT secretary to screen
and answer calls and assist in clerical duties would help
the consular section function more efficiently, especially
during the rush period. The changes caused by the events
of September 11 (see paragraph M) have led to a decrease
in the number of interviews by exception for Saudi
applicants, a higher rejection rate, and the concomitant
need for higher average time per Saudi case. An
additional TOY, Arabic-speaking Foreign Service visa
officer will likely be needed during the summer rush
period (May - mid-August) if Saudi visa applications
return close to normal levels by summer 2002.
C) Do you anticipate a workload change over the next three
years (FY02, FY03, FY04). If so, please discuss the
underlying factors and recommend personnel changes.
(Please specify the number and type of personnel you need,
the duties such personnel would perform and the level or
grade at which they would ideally function.)
Despite the June 2001 introduction of Visa Express, under
which Saudi and later all TCN cases became drop-box
eligible, the additional paper screening and interviewing
of TCN applications mandated by the new system created a
higher workload. After the September 11 terror attacks in
the U. S., and the subsequent discovery that the majority
of hijackers' visas were issued in Saudi Arabia, we have
experienced a much higher rate of 221 (g) requests for
additional information and personal interviews, creating
an increase in workload per Saudi case. Assuming the
return of the number of visa applications to pre-September
11 levels, the summer peak period (May - mid-August) will
likely require a consular-coned TDY visa officer to handle
the overall work increase. New JOs, and TDY officers with
Arabic language skills would be most useful, as they could
help meet our increased demand for interviews conducted in
Arabic. Although Arabic speaking FSNs can assist with the
interviews, summer peak period has them working full time
to process the summer NIV rush.
We have few current workload concerns on the impact of

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 UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185
U. S. citizens participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage
because the organization of the Saudi Hajj Ministry is
excellent, making routine w/w inquiries and lost document
cases easier to deal with. Although ACS work for Hajj
season is unpredictable, our current staffing is adequate
to see us through all but catastrophic occurrences.
D) How would you rate your consular section's satisfaction
with the automated consular systems (excellent, good,
average, poor)? Are there any unresolved software or
hardware issues? How do you rate the training of post
personnel both within the consular section and in Admin/IM
on the use and support of consular systems (excellent,
good, average, poor)? What types of assistance would you
need from the next training and refresher teams coming
from the Consular Systems Division to assist consular
systems users?
Our level of satisfaction with automated consular systems
is good. All subsequent upgrades have been installed
without difficulties, and the CA Support Desk has been
helpful on those few occasions when we have called with
minor technical problems. There is a problem with CROBA
printing, and there have been occasional problems with
response time from CLASS, which affects both NIV and ACS
work. However, with the new flat screen hardware, window
adjudication of NIVs is now normal practice. Also, the
consular FSN who serves as backup systems manager received
needed training in Bangkok in 2000, and now effectively
deals with technical aspects of consular systems.
E) What aspects of your ACS work are most demanding?
Child custody cases, spousal abuse, and other family
disputes between U. S. citizens and Saudi nationals are
the most difficult issues facing the Jeddah consular
section. These cases, which are impacted by Saudi Islamic
law (Sharia) and custom, and often in conflict with U. S.
law and court rulings, are usually contentious and
emotional. Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the Hague
Convention on Child Abduction. More often than not, the
problem cannot be resolved in a manner satisfactory for
the U. S. citizen parent. The SAG does not intervene in
family disputes, but expects immediate family members to
intervene with a solution. In most cases, the U. S.
citizen has few members of the extended family with them
in Saudi Arabia, making this form of counseling and family
support unsatisfactory to them. In some cases involving a
U. S. citizen and a non-Saudi, the SAG will require the
family to settle the problem or depart the Kingdom.
The Saudi bureaucracy is sometimes unresponsive in the

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 UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185
initial stage of ACS cases, such as timely arrest
notification, or in the death of a U. S. citizen visiting
the Kingdom.
Contractual disputes between U. S. citizens and Saudi
sponsors are frequent. While redress through Saudi labor
courts is possible, the process is time-consuming and
often the U. S. employee is at a pronounced disadvantage
relative to a Saudi sponsor. U. S. expatriate employees
are distressed to discover that, although the Consulate
can use its good offices, it has no legal authority to
intervene on their behalf in these private business or
contractual disputes. In addition, the U. S. employee
must be present in the country to follow through in the
labor court process. During this time, the employer may
withhold salary payments, while in-country expenses
remain.
F) What aspects of your NIV work are most demanding?
(Discussion should address any backlogs and their
underlying causes.)
Approximately 45% of NIV applicants are third country
nationals (TCNS). Most TCN applicants are interviewed.
Outside of employment, there is no lawful permanent
residence status for non-Saudis, and because the Saudi
Government's stated policy is to replace foreign workers
with Saudi nationals, it is often difficult to establish
the non-immigrant bona fides of TCN applicants.
This is especially true of domestic servants, many of whom
are recently arrived in the Kingdom when their Saudi
sponsors make applications for them. Saudi sponsors, both
diplomatic and private, are not averse to trying to apply
pressure when domestic employees are denied.
G) What aspects of your IV work are the most demanding?
(Discussion should address any backlogs and their
underlying causes. )
Post does not finalize IV applications. We accept
"applications, perform document checks, and provide
information to applicants in the Jeddah District. We then
forward the applications to Riyadh for final processing.
H) If applicable, please describe how the DV program
has affected the consular section.
There is a great deal of interest in the DV program among
the six million TCNs who have no chance of establishing
permanent residence in Saudi Arabia. We incur printing

UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185

 UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185
expenses for DV information sheets, supervise local
security guards in distributing the information sheets,
and utilize staff time responding to numerous inquiries.
I) What percentage of your NIV and IV applicants are non-
host country (TCN) residents?
NIV: 45 percent.
-- From which countries are they?
Yemen, Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Sudan, the Philippines,
Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Eritrea, Somalia.
--Do they speak a different language than Post's
designated language. If so, how do you interact with
them?
Many TCN applicants speak at least some Arabic, the lingua
franca of Saudi Arabia, regardless of their mother tongue.
Other TCNs can speak some English. Our consulate has
staff who can speak Hindi, Urdu, Malay (Bahasa Indonesia),
French, Spanish, and Thai. It is rare that we can find no
common language with which to ask the basic interview
questions.
J) Are you satisfied with the level of fraud prevention
training for officers and FSNs? If not, what do you
believe you need to support your efforts in this area?
Please also comment on any anti-fraud efforts in place at
your post (liaison work, applications of databases and
other electronic systems to defeat fraud, etc.)
Jeddah is a low fraud post. In the past there have been
some cases of misuse of Saudi passports by either
photosubbing or use by imposters to gain U. S. visas.
When discovered, Saudi authorities quickly and efficiently
handled these attempts. Saudi Arabia began the
introduction of a machine-readable passport (MRP) early in
FY 2002.
Local passport and immigration officials have indicated
that they would welcome INS or FPP document training. We
believe this would be especially useful given the security
features of the new legal permanent resident documents,
and the new U. S. passport. Liaison is also maintained
with Western consulates (particularly the British) that
maintain active anti-fraud programs.
K) Management Practices. Describe and comment on
management practices instituted at Post in order to better

UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185

 UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185
serve the public, maximize the use of resources, and
attain greater efficiency. If necessary, clarify or add
additional information to that already provided in your
answers to questions 1-22 on the best practices schedule
of the statistical portion of the consular package.
Please advise if in the past year Post discontinued any
best practices it had implemented earlier. If so, please
give reasons for the termination.
In June 2001, Saudi Arabia instituted "Visa Express"
nationwide, a system in which 10 travel agencies collect
passports and fees and submit them along with the RDS to
the consulate.
In the aftermath of September 11, post has tightened up
its waiver of personal interviews for applicants of all
nationalities, including Saudis, and now considers each
applicant on a case-by-case basis.
L) Please describe country conditions that affect your
ability to provide consular services (infrastructure,
fraud, political setting, etc.).
The security situation in Saudi Arabia, although calm, has
been tense since the beginning of the Intifada in the
Palestinian Authority areas last year. Tension increased
after September 11, and there has been a decrease in the
number of people traveling to the United States in the
wake of local media reports exaggerating the risk of
danger to Muslims and Arabs in the United States. The
security situation was one factor that led to the
expansion of the Visa Express system to include all
applicants, in an effort to minimize traffic in consular
waiting rooms.
M) Please describe any changes that may have occurred in
country following the tragic events of September 11, 2001
and how they have affected your workload. Such discussions
should not be limited to the end of the Fiscal Year but
should describe changes through the drafting date of the
consular narrative. (Please keep in mind that the
narrative portion of the consular package should remain an
unclassified document.)
The tragic events of September 11 affected the whole
world, but the impact has been extensive in Jeddah, the
site of the Consulate General where 11 of the 19 alleged
hijackers applied for and received visas. As 15 of the 19
hijackers are alleged to have been Saudi passport holders,
this has affected our workload in three main ways.
First, the number of applications for NIVs, including
Saudis, has decreased since September 11. The true extent

UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185

 UNCLAS JEDDAH 01185
of the decrease will only become apparent in several
months time, because the post-September 11, 2001 slowdown
occurred at the confluence of three currents: one, the
normal summer rush (May - mid-August) had just ended;
two, the reciprocity schedule was changed in October, 1999
to allow two-year rather than one-year multiple entry
visas for Saudi nationals. (Note - as many Saudis
previously applied every year for a visa, those customers
were now required to apply only every other year and this
effect on applications was expected to begin in October
2001); and three, the general slowdown in world travel
post-September 11 was exacerbated by local media reports
which highlighted incidents of harassment on Arabs and
Muslims in the United States and the Western world. Fewer
Saudis are going to the United States for vacation this
fall and winter and are instead traveling to Egypt,
Lebanon, and the UAE.
Second, investigations into the events of September 11,
2001 have consumed great amounts of time by consular staff
in obtaining information for criminal and congressional
investigations. Media inquiries, rumor control, and
preparation of press releases have also been time
consuming, as rumors swept Saudi Arabia about visa
policies, and elements of the local press proved willing
to print articles without verification with the Embassy.
Third, individual time-per-applicant has greatly increased
as fewer visas are issued without interview. Sometimes
applications are returned two or more times to be filled
in completely and to provide photographs which meet
required standards. Interviews take more time as do
discussions about documentary requirements for 221 (g)
refusals, the meaning of 214 (b), and avenues of recourse
and appeal for those refused. A large percentage of our
customers requires further processing under new policies
enacted November 14, 2001. Each step of this new
procedural maze requires a notification to be given to,
and explained to, current and potential customers.
Therefore, although the numbers are down, the workload has
remained fairly constant.
It is not certain what the next summer rush will bring in
terms of applicant numbers, but the dramatic increase in
the average amount of time spent per Saudi applicant will
likely become a long-term effect on visa operations in
Jeddah.
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Miguel Ordonez 02/05/2003 04:03:23 PM From DB/lnbox: Miguel Ordonez

Cable Text: _ ___ -

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RIYADH ALSO FOR DHAHRAN

DEPT FOR CA/EX, NEA/EX, NEA/ARP, OIG/ISP, M/FSI/SPAS,
CA/VO, CA/FPP, CA/OCS
RIYADH FOR RCO
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS:CMGT SA
SUBJECT: FY 2002 CONSULAR PACKAGE NARRATIVE -- JEDDAH

REF: STATE 259738

1. (U) In answering reftel, all alphabetically designated
paragraphs are unclassified, except for "0" which is SBU.
A) Consular Section Chief: Miguel Ordonez. KTD R/2004.
Telephone : / ...\.
| I,.....E-OTa-iT-T -.....•-•......"---------.........................1 Deputy (lonsuji^:---- -^"'""'•'' 9/11 Personal Privacy
Section Chief (ACS Chief): Loren Mgaley>--ETp:-::9:/2004 . .
Telephone I ....... -..............."'" [.......E-inai 1 :

B) Do you have the resources (staff, equipment, space) to

do consular work at your post that meets the Mission
n
Program Plan objectives? (If you believe you do not have
the necessary resources, please specify what it is your
post needs in order to adequately meet its
responsibilities. If you believe you need more staff,

UNCLASSIFIED
1
 UNCLASSIFIED

please specify the number and type of personnel you need,

the duties such personnel would perform and the level or
grade at which they would ideally function. In responding
to this question, please keep in mind recent changes in
consular roles and NIV processing.)
Response: Staff, equipment and space are generally
adequate for our current workload during most of the year.
In the summer peak period (May through mid-August) we have
traditionally taken on two additional full-time temporary
employees and increased the MRV cashier to full time to
meet visa demands. Since September 11, 2001 major changes
have included the termination of the Visa Express program
and the consequent elimination of remote data entry.
Virtually all applicants are now interviewed, and there is
a higher overall refusal rate, with a concomitant need for
higher average time per case. An additional NIV FSN began
work in September 2002 and an additional Arabic-speaking
Foreign Service visa officer arrived in late October 2002
to supplement the Visa Section's workforce. This has been
sufficient under the present circumstances, although it
may need supplementation during the traditional summer
rush. This Consulate's management has made clear that
consular-qualified staff from other sections (serving in
JORP assignments) will be temporarily detailed during peak
workload times to meet Consular Section needs. With
current and projected staffing, consular section needs
should be met through early 2005.
C) Give detailed assessment of how post's workload is
expected to change in post-specific ways over the next two
years, with a discussion of underlying factors, and
recommended personnel and physical plant requirements.
(Please specify the number and type of personnel you need,
the duties such personnel would perform and the level or
grade at which they would ideally function. Discuss how
changes in consular roles will affect the types of
personnel required. Discuss physical plant needs such as
waiting room and working space, number of interview
windows, and flow of public into consular section.)
Response: The September 11 terror attacks in the U. S.,
and the subsequent discovery that the majority of
hijackers visas were issued in Saudi Arabia, has led to
the complete transformation of visa operations in Jeddah.
All applicants of all nationalities between the ages of
12-70 are now interviewed. We also currently have a high
rate of 221 (g) requests for additional information,
because previous passport documentation is requested in
order to verify travel patterns on applicants subject to
Condor security advisory opinions.
The new version of NIV software will require about twice
as much data entry time per applicant, and.future
biometric scanning will also slow down the process.
Congress also recently enacted legislation mandating a
Department of Homeland Security presence in Saudi Arabia
to review all applications before adjudication. All these
changes have or will have major impacts on the NIV
workflow, with the net effect that it takes more staff to
process fewer visas. Therefore new JOs and TDY officers
with Arabic language skills (Arabic 2/2), would be most
useful for NIV work in Jeddah, as they could help meet the
need for interviews conducted in Arabic. Although Arabic
speaking FSNs can assist with interviews, summer peak

UNCLASSIFIED
2
 UNCLASSIFIED

period requires them to work full time to process the NIV

rush.
On the ACS side, increased Congressional, Departmental,
and media attention to child custody issues has led to a
large increase in the amount time the ACS Officer spends
on this aspect of her job. Also an increasing terrorism
threat has led to numerous warden messages (along with
regular and special wardens meetings, outreach, and phone
calls) in the past two years, which we anticipate will
continue into the foreseeable future. Numerous visits
post-September 11, such as Codels, GAO, DIG, FBI,
Department of Homeland Security, and CA also have required
large amounts of time to prepare and manage. Blueprints
for reconfiguring the Consular work area are currently
with OBO and await finalization pending a final
determination of the Department of Homeland Security
presence in Saudi Arabia.
D) How would you rate your consular section's satisfaction
with the automated consular systems (excellent, good,
average, poor)? Are there any unresolved software or
hardware issues? How do you rate the training of post
personnel both within the consular section and in Admin/IM
on the use and support of consular systems (excellent,
good, average, poor)? What types of assistance would you
need from the next training and refresher teams coming
from the Consular Systems Division to assist consular
systems users?
Response: Our level of satisfaction with automated
consular systems is good. We had several complete systems
failures due to defective Fujitsu drives in the Compaq
Deskpro ENs installed in August 2002, but have since
received replacement units and hard drives. There is a
problem with CROBA printing, and there have been
occasional problems with response time from CLASS, which
affects both NIV and ACS work. There is also a problem
accessing the PIERS system on some computers. A dedicated
consular FSN and the Consulate's IM section now
effectively deal with all technical aspects of consular
systems. Training has been good, but more systems
training would be welcome, as the last Orkand visit
(August 2002) took place at an inopportune time and
training was not completed on the new software.

E) What aspects of your ACS work are most demanding?

Response: Child custody cases, spousal abuse, and other
family disputes between U. S. citizens and Saudi nationals
are the most difficult issues facing the Jeddah consular
section. These cases, which are impacted by Saudi Islamic
law (Sharia) and custom, are often contentious and
emotional. Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the Hague
Convention on Child Abduction. More often than not, the
problem cannot be resolved in a manner satisfactory for
the U. S. citizen parent. The SAG and CA are currently
working on formal understandings to help ameliorate
problems of separation and access to children, but
progress remains slow.
The Saudi Government is sometimes unresponsive in the
initial stage of ACS cases, such as timely arrest
notification, or in the death of a U. S. citizen visiting
the Kingdom.

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Contract disputes between U. S. citizens and Saudi

sponsors are common. While redress through Saudi labor
courts is possible, the process is time-consuming and the
U. S. employee is usually at a disadvantage relative to
the Saudi sponsor. U. S. expatriate employees are often
distressed to discover that, although the Consulate
utilizes its good offices, it has no legal authority to
intervene on their behalf in private business disputes.
In addition, the U. S. employee must be present in the
country to follow through in the labor court process.
During this time, the employer may withhold salary
payments, while in-country expenses remain.
F) What aspects of your NIV work are most demanding?
(Discussion should address any backlogs and their
underlying causes, including recent changes to NIV
regulations, personnel role and system access changes, new
management practices, etc.)
Response: Virtually all applicants are now interviewed
(since July 20, 2002) and many are subject to lengthy
clearance processes. Many applicants call frequently to
check on the status of their applications. Tracking the
large backlog of applications that were submitted between
April and August 2002 and which have not been cleared has
also been a cause of frustration for many applicants,
particularly students.
Nearly half of NIV applicants are third country nationals
(TCNS). Outside of employment, there is no lawful
permanent residence status for non-Saudis, and because the
Saudi Government's stated policy is to replace foreign
workers with Saudi nationals, it is often difficult to
establish the non-immigrant bona fides of TCN applicants.
This is especially true of domestic servants, many of whom
are recently arrived in the Kingdom when their Saudi
sponsors make applications for them.
G) What aspects of your IV work are the most demanding?
(Discussion should address any backlogs and their causes.)
Response: Post does not finalize IV petitions. We accept
petitions, perform document checks, and provide
information to applicants in the Jeddah District. We then
forward the petitions to Riyadh for final processing.
H) If applicable, please describe how the DV program
has affected the consular section.
Response: There is a great deal of interest in the DV
program among the six million plus TCNs who have no chance
of establishing permanent residence in Saudi Arabia. We
incur printing expenses for DV information sheets,
instruct local security guards in distributing the
information sheets, and utilize staff time responding to
inquiries.
I) What percentage of your NIV and IV applicants are non-
host country (TCN) residents?
Response: NIV: 46 percent.
-- From what countries are they?

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81 countries, with the largest numbers from Pakistan, the

Philippines, India, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria,
Morocco, Indonesia, Yemen, and Ethiopia.
--Do they speak a different language than Posts
designated language? If so, how do you interact with
them?
Many TCN applicants speak at least some Arabic, the lingua
franca of Saudi Arabia, regardless of their mother tongue.
Other TCNs can speak some English. Our consular section
has staff who can speak Hindi, Urdu, Malay (Bahasa
Indonesia), French, Spanish, Farsi, Turkmen, Uzbek and
Thai. It is rare that we can find no common language with
which to ask the basic interview questions.
J) Discuss how the changes in passport application
procedures during FY 02 affected post's workload and
staffing if at all.
Response: There was minimal change in our workload and
none in staffing as Jeddah had been sending passport
applications to Riyadh and now sends them to New
Hampshire. Turnaround time has remained about the same
with the new procedures.
K) Are you satisfied with the level of fraud prevention
training for officers and FSNs? If not, what do you
believe you need to support your efforts in this area?
Please also comment on any anti-fraud efforts in place at
your post (liaison work, applications of databases and
other electronic systems to defeat fraud, etc.)
Response: Jeddah is a low fraud post. In the past there
were cases of misuse of Saudi passports by either
photosubbing or use by imposters to gain U. S. visas.
Saudi Arabia began the introduction of a machine-readable
passport (MRP) early in FY 2002 and has tightened up its
issuance of passports to those who reported losing their
passports, requiring a waiting period.
Local passport and immigration officials have indicated
that they would welcome INS or FPP document training. We
believe this would be especially useful given the security
features of the new legal permanent resident documents,
and the new U. S. passport. Liaison is also maintained
with Western consulates (particularly the British) that
maintain active anti-fraud programs.
L) Management Practices. Describe and comment on
management practices instituted at Post in order to
address post-9/11 security concerns and increased
workload. If necessary, clarify or add additional
information to that already provided in your answers to
questions 1-22 on the "management practices" schedule of
the statistical portion of the consular package. Please
advise if in the past year Post discontinued any
"management practices" it had implemented earlier. If so,
please give reasons for the termination.
Response: In June 2001, Saudi Arabia instituted Visa
Express nationwide, a system in which 10 travel agencies
collected passports and fees and submitted them to the
Consulate. This program, which incorporated RDS,
interview by exception, and a modified Travel Agency
Program, was terminated after consultations between the

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Embassy and CA on July 20, 2002 because the program drew

intense press criticism in the United States.
In the aftermath of September 11, post has tightened up
its waiver of personal interviews for applicants of all
nationalities, including Saudis, and now interviews
virtually all applicants, male and female, Saudi and non-
Saudi aged 12-70. All NIV issuances (as well as refusals)
are reviewed to ensure conformity with the ever-changing
regulations.
M) Describe country conditions that affect your ability
y
to provide consular services (infrastructure, fraud,
political setting, etc.).
Response: The security situation in Saudi Arabia became
more tense in FY 2002 and early FY 2003, with the first
reported attempted car bombing in Jeddah along with
reports of harassment and assaults on Westerners. (Note -
voluntary departure was authorized for Saudi Arabia on
January 30, 2003 noting the heightened risk from terrorist
groups.) Bilateral tensions surfaced after September 11,
2001 and there has been a decrease in the number of people
travelling to the United States, with local media reports
exaggerating problems Saudis and Muslims experience in
travelling to and studying in the United States.
N) Please describe continued changes that may have
occurred in the host country following the tragic events of
September 11, 2001 and how they have affected your workload
or your ability to provide consular services. (In
responding to this question, address outside factors such
as tighter immigration controls, reduced access to airports
or hospitals, rather than in-house factors such as changes
in personnel roles. Please also keep in mind that the
narrative portion of the consular package should remain an
unclassified document.)
Response: The tragic events of September 11 have caused
extensive impact in Jeddah, the site of the Consulate
General where 11 of the 19 September 11 hijackers applied
for and received visas.
The number of applications for NIVs, including Saudis, has
decreased since September 11, 2001, as many Saudis and
others prefer travel to Malaysia, Egypt, or Lebanon
instead of Disney World or Europe. However, workload per
applicant has greatly increased with the Visas Condor
process and repeated inquiries by applicants trying to
determine when their visa might be ready, or comparing
timelines for visa issuance with friends who applied at
the same time.
O) Describe any other issue not raised in the preceding
questions that you believe to be significant to the
consular section's effectiveness in handling its
responsibilities.
(SBU - this paragraph only) Response: Scrutiny has been
intense on consular operations in Saudi Arabia since
September 11, 2001 from both Congress and the U. S. media.
This scrutiny has been on both visa issuance (NIV) and
child custody (ACS). In addition, Jeddah remains a
critical threat post for trans-national terrorism, which

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requires a lot of "care and feeding" of the Amcit

population during the many times of tension in the region,
when Amcits need reassurance. Saudi Arabia has received a
large number of consular-related and other high level
visitors (including Secretary of Treasury and Vice
President) despite limited staff. This combination has
sorely taxed the human resources of the consular section
several times during the year. The provision by CA of
additional staffing resources to Jeddah's Consular Section
during FY 2002 and FY 2003 is greatly appreciated and
allows us to do the high-quality work expected of us in
these trying times.

ABERCROMBIE-WINSTANLEY
BT
#0290
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End Cable Text

Miguel Ordonez 02/05/2003 04:03:29 PM From DB/lnbox: Miguel Ordonez

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