Oman only country to receive visa extension during Trump presidency

Muscat:Omani tourists and business travellers can now obtain a decade long visa to the United States, thanks to a decision between the US and Oman.
It is the first time during the Donald Trump presidency that a visa has been extended for any country, according to the US ambassador to Oman, Marc J. Sievers.
The visa validity period for tourists and business travellers from Oman visiting the United States has now been increased from two years to 10 years, which is also the longest visa validity given to any country globally.
Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman, the Ambassador to Oman, Marc J. Sievers said: “This marks a step further in our bilateral cooperation. It (the visa extension) was negotiated and agreed upon at the highest levels of both governments and is on a reciprocal basis because we want to facilitate travel and business between our countries.
“Oman is the only country during the Trump administration so far where our administration has agreed to extend the validity of the visa.”
At a joint press conference on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussed the new changes to visa procedures between the Sultanate and the United States. Present at the event were Ambassadors Dr Mohammed Al Hassan and
Marc J. Sievers.
Ambassador Dr Al Hassan said: “This is a reflection of the deep and long relationship between the Sultanate and the United States and between the people of the two countries.”
The new extension is set to ease business and tourism between the two countries. “We are very pleased at this achievement in our bilateral cooperation that allows our citizens and Oman’s citizens to visit each other’s country and also do business in each other’s country,” Ambassador Sievers said during the conference.
“This is simply an indication of the strength of our ties and friendship between our two countries.”
According to ambassador Al Hassan, the extension does not include students. Furthermore, Omani citizens will be able to stay in the United States for a maximum period of six months at a time.
The deal also includes a visit extension for diplomats from two years to five. In addition, all the terms of the agreement apply to Omani citizens in the US and US citizens visiting the Sultanate.
Chief Counsellor Sean Hanifen said the time taken to arrange a visa varies but it usually around 48 hours. The new visa validity period has already been implemented in the United States since January 1, 2019, while it was officially implemented in the Sultanate yesterday.
Other countries that receive a 10-year visa include most of the European countries, New Zealand, Mongolia, China, Southern Africa, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Morocco.