C1/D VALIDATION SHOWS HIGH COMPLIANCE IN NEW DELHI

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 001429 SIPDIS CA/FPP FOR JILL NYSTROM, PLEASE PASS TO DHS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFRD CVIS CMGT ASEC IN SUBJECT: C1/D VALIDATION SHOWS HIGH COMPLIANCE IN NEW DELHI REF: (A) NEW DELHI 1299 (B) NEW DELHI 638 (C) NEW DELHI 619 (D) NEW DELHI 575 (E) NEW DELHI 0007 ¶1. SUMMARY: As one of a series of validation studies (reftels A-E) by Embassy New Delhi, Post undertook a validation of C1/D visas issued in FY 2007. Post typically sees a range of applicants from first-time seafarers to seasoned captains. Other than their new professions, first-time C1/D applicants often have relatively weaker ties to India and face high scrutiny. The study showed that despite a relatively low refusal rate of 6.5%, only 0.5% of applicants overstayed their visas. END SUMMARY ¶2. C1/D applicants at Embassy New Delhi encompass a wide range from ship captains with extensive world travel to young, single recruits going on their first voyages. These deck cadets and trainees have undergone land-training programs but lack practical experience onboard and on the surface show relatively weaker ties to India. In order to adjudicate these applicants, Post has collaborated with the other consular sections in India to identify credible shipping companies and questions that are appropriate for candidates of different rank and experience. ¶3. Post examined applicants from FY2007 because seafarers often stay abroad for long periods which could cause more recent data to be less accurate. During this period 2,526 applicants were issued and 188 were refused due to concerns about their ties and intent. Following CA guidance for validation studies, a random number generator was used to identify 800 issued applicants. Of these, 2 appear to have overstayed and 2 could not be contacted, resulting in a 0.5% overstay rate. ¶4. The two apparent overstays were both first-time mariners supposedly working with reputable companies. Of the two who could not be contacted, one was a first-time seaman and the other had previous travel experience. ¶5. COMMENT: With a 6.5% refusal rate and 0.5% overstay rate, New Delhi's C1/D applicants appear highly credible. However, there are still causes for vigilance. Post has received reports from CBP about C1/D applicants fraudulently obtaining visas, and the visa category attracts many first-time applicants with evolving ties. However, the study validates current adjudication patterns, and Post will continue with its efforts to identify and issue visas to credible seafarers. END COMMENT BURLEIGH