KARACHI, Dec 8: United States visa officer Ms Sussen Riggs has said that her country will entertain all genuine business visa seekers. She gave this assurance during her recent visit to the Pakistan Readymade Garments Exporters Association (Prgmea).

Prgmea central chairman Bilal Mulla welcomed the US official and expressed the hope that the increased interaction between the association and the US Consulate would help in smooth processing of visa applications submitted by garment exporters mostly belonged to the SME sector.

Ms Riggs said that all visa approvals were made in Washington where a complete database was maintained about all famous traders as well as those involved in terrorist activities.

Therefore, she said, it could take three to four months and an applicant might take his passport back. The visa office will provide phone numbers and e-mail address for enquiring about the progress on the application.

Ms Riggs welcomed a Prgmea offer to assist in processing visa applications submitted by its members and to provide required particulars of business of the applicant.

She advises Prgmea to prepare its members intending to visit the US for a visa interview that plays an important role in making minds of visa officers on an application. The interviews are aimed at determining the real intention of the applicant whether he is going on a business trip or has other intentions.

Mr Mullah stressed the need for granting visa to all exporters who wish to embark on a visit to enhance business relations with their customers in the United States.

He also called for increasing the number of visa officers to enable them to devote more time to check the veracity of visa applications.

He cited the example of some European embassies that issued a visa no sooner did the consulate confirm from the buyer in its country about the invitation sent to the exporter.