The United States embassy announced today that it has finally been able to clear the backlog of visa applications that piled up as a result of stricter immigration screening procedures for Malaysian citizens since earlier this year.

A press office statement said most of the remaining visa cases are expected to be resolved in the next few days.

"We are pleased to announce that the US embassy has now received approval to issue several hundred outstanding visas backlogged since this summer. These include virtually all delayed applications from Malaysian students seeking to pursue university studies in the US," it said.

Since the Sept 11 attacks, the US has imposed more stringent application procedures to screen foreigners entering the country. Among others, non-immigrant visa applicants are required to fill in an additional form, similar to a curriculum vitae, as well as undergo a more extensive interview process.

Last September, Deputy Education Minister Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin highlighted the predicament faced by student applicants when it was found that at least 150 persons were denied visa renewals to continue their studies in the US.

Closed for X'mas

In order to expedite the issuance of the approved visas, the embassy urged applicants not to contact the visa section and instead wait until they are contacted by its consular staff.

"The US embassy asks visa applicants not to call the visa section during the next few days while we work to notify applicants and issue their visas. Such calls will slow down the process for everyone," said the press office.

In addition, the press office said the embassy will be closed tomorrow for Christmas celebrations, but will resume operations the following day.

All embassy services, including visa and American passport and notary services, will resume operation on Thursday.