THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE PERMIT me to express my concern about the processing of visiting visas in Jamaica to the United States of America.
I understand that the cost of applying for a visitor's visa is over J$6,000, and that the fee must be paid before a date to visit the embassy is given. When the date is given for the interview, and the applicant is interviewed, once it is not given, there is no refund of the fee. Persons are not looking for a refund once the visa is issued.
In a county such as Jamaica, it is very hard on the person to spend over $6,000, only to be denied a visa, without the benefit of a refund in full or part of said amount. In my opinion, and the opinion of several others, the entire amount should not be taken, a portion could be taken as per an application fee, and the other portion refunded to the
person. That fee (J$6,000) is roughly US$100.
I have known persons who have applied more than once, like every two years, and lost their money. These are persons who just want to know the country, have very good jobs, working in the position for over 20 years, and just simply need a vacation in the U.S. Family members in the States are sending them the return tickets for the visit. Others are just hard working individuals, buying and selling and 'throwing partners' to save for a vacation, and I would say, taking all that money is not fair.
I think that it is full time the Minister of Foreign Affairs look into this matter.
I am, etc.,
MABLE JOHNSON
Tuency@yahoo.com
Bronx, New York
Via Go-Jamaica
