I attended QA session presided by Consul Officer in Dallas. As per his assessment, they are overwhelmed with the applications for Renunciation and OCI, since Renunciation process had been introduced. Timelines for both processes have increased. On an average Renunciation is taking about 2 months and OCI about 6-8 months. Some of the staff is working overtime and during weekends also. He was requesting to not call the Consulate for minor and non critical issues or questions. He said typically they get calls as soon as an application is sent asking if the application is received and seeking status about the application. If the application is filled as per instructions and everything is correct it would be processed and returned. If for some reason something is wrong they would seek the clarification, send message or call the applicant. If they spend time in responding to phone calls or emails they will not be able to attend to the processing and thus delay. So his request was not to call unless it is critical or emergency. Lack of response from them should not be construed as arrogance and to have patience and give them time, since they attend to other services also like issuing passports, visas, birth/death certificates etc. Also while sending applications write on the envelope 'Misc Services' , 'Renunciation Only', 'OCI' etc. Renunciation to be sent separately or before any request for service is requested.They would insist on seeing the Surrender Certificate. One need not carry while travelling to India. As for refund of fees for those who obtained foreign citizenship prior jun1, it is not forth coming, they can forget.
In my opinion, we should give them time as per the timelines and then contact if it is beyond a reasonable time limit. And also when someone calls have the required information ready on hand. I feel Consulate should put up updates or more information on their website and it should be better organized. Maybe they can call in staff from other embassies to help them out.
In my opinion, we should give them time as per the timelines and then contact if it is beyond a reasonable time limit. And also when someone calls have the required information ready on hand. I feel Consulate should put up updates or more information on their website and it should be better organized. Maybe they can call in staff from other embassies to help them out.
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