Technical glitch delays US visas

A technical glitch in the central server system has slowed down the US visa process across the world. Students, businessmen and general travellers in the city are, expectedly, worried over the delay in getting a visa.

Though the problem has been going on for the past 10 days, authorities are unable to predict when things will normalise.

A US consulate, Mumbai, spokesperson said: "The US department of state is currently experiencing technical problems with its visa system, which has affected global operations. This issue is worldwide and not specific to any particular country or visa category.

"We recognize and deeply regret the inconvenience to travellers. We are doing everything possible to return passports with visas as soon as we are able to complete processing."

It is likely to take weeks to clear the backlog. Every year, more than 200,000 people in Mumbai apply for US visas.

Amit Shah, a software professional who has been asked by his US employer to join at the earliest, said: "My agent has warned me that my visit to US could get delayed due to the ongoing technical glitches in the system."