Thursday, October 2, 2025
32.1 C
New Delhi

US govt shutdown: What GCC residents and travelers must know about visa and passport services

US govt shutdown: What GCC residents and travelers must know about visa and passport services

Scheduled visa and passport services at US embassies in the GCC will continue during the government shutdown, as conditions allow/ Image composte: AP, File

As the US government begins a partial shutdown due to a failure in passing key funding legislation, American embassies across the Gulf have issued clear directives to residents and travelers. While visa and passport services for previously scheduled appointments and applications will continue for now, the embassies have suspended regular updates and social media communications, citing the funding lapse. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the shutdown means for consular services in the GCC.

US Missions in the Gulf scale back public updates


As the US government enters a funding lapse, American embassies across the Gulf have scaled back routine communications on social media, citing the suspension of non-essential functions. Embassies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain have issued identical advisories stating that their official X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram accounts will not be updated regularly until further notice. A message posted by the US Mission to the UAE reads:“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information.” This message has been mirrored across US diplomatic missions in the GCC, as well as in other regions. The suspension of regular updates reflects a region-wide operational adjustment in response to the federal shutdown, which affects multiple agencies across the US government.

Visa and passport services continue, but subject to change

Despite reduced public communications, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has confirmed that key consular services remain operational, both domestically and abroad. In an official update, the Department stated: “At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at US Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits. We will not update this account until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information. For information on our services and operating status, visit http://travel.state.gov. The Department also clarified that consular operations during the shutdown will span passport and visa functions and assistance for American citizens abroad, though certain domestic support functions linked to these services will be suspended. While the continuation of scheduled visa and passport appointments is assured for now, the embassies have stressed that operations are subject to change, depending on how long the shutdown lasts and how it evolves. Residents and travelers in the GCC with upcoming appointments or urgent consular needs are advised to consult the official State Department website at travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date information on embassy services, appointment status, and emergency contact guidance.

Why the shutdown happened, and who’s affected


The shutdown began just after midnight local time on Wednesday (8am UAE time) when US lawmakers failed to pass the required federal spending legislation before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1. Under US law, Congress must approve appropriations bills annually to fund federal agencies and departments. This year, however, no such bills were passed in time, triggering a lapse in government funding.This marks the first US government shutdown since December 2018, which occurred during President Donald Trump’s first term and became the longest in American history, lasting 35 days. The current shutdown stems from a deepening political standoff in Washington, primarily between President Donald Trump’s administration and Congressional Democrats.At the core of the disagreement is healthcare funding. Democratic lawmakers have demanded the inclusion of a permanent extension of health insurance subsidies, especially those under the Obamacare program benefiting low-income Americans.In contrast, Republican lawmakers advocated for a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would have temporarily extended current funding levels through November 21, without any changes or additional spending commitments.The deadlock escalated late Tuesday night when Senate Democrats rejected a House-passed stopgap funding bill, just hours before the deadline. With no resolution in place by midnight, federal operations were forced to shut down partially.During the shutdown, the US federal government halts all “non-essential” operations, while essential services continue to function, often without pay for staff. Among the services suspended are:

  • Operations at national parks
  • Activities within certain federal agencies, including the Department of Education and NASA

Meanwhile, essential personnel, particularly those involved in public safety and security — are required to continue working. These include:

  • Air traffic controllers
  • Border patrol agents
  • TSA officers at airports
  • Federal law enforcement, such as the FBI and CIA

These critical services remain operational, but many employees are not being paid during the shutdown, a common feature of past federal funding lapses. Other key government functions that continue to operate include the US military, the Postal Service, and social support programs like Social Security and food stamps.According to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office, as many as 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed without pay each day during the shutdown.


What happens next

While consular operations across the Gulf remain stable for now, the longer-term impact of the US government shutdown will depend on how quickly Congress reaches a funding resolution. If the impasse persists, it could lead to delays in processing, strain on internal support systems, and disruption to non-urgent consular services.In his first public response since the shutdown began, President Donald Trump directed blame at Democratic lawmakers, stating during a briefing at the White House:“So we’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And they’re Democrats, they’re going to be Democrats.”Trump later expanded on his position in a post on Truth Social, calling on his party to act decisively:“Republicans must use this opportunity of Democrat forced closure to clear out dead wood, waste, and fraud. Billions of Dollars can be saved.”On Capitol Hill, the Senate is expected to reconvene on Friday, with possible sessions continuing into the weekend. However, the House of Representatives remains in recess, slowing progress toward any immediate deal. The timing is further complicated by the observance of Yom Kippur, which could delay legislative proceedings in the Senate.As the shutdown continues, federal services not deemed essential remain at risk of further disruption — both in the United States and abroad. Go to Source

Hot this week

‘Shocking’: London police rocked by undercover BBC investigation, Starmer calls for ‘robust’ response

Rory Bibb, the reporter behind the bombshell BBC report, spent seven months in the guise of a civilian working as a detention officer in the custody suite of Charing Cross police station in central London British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ha Read More

Syria election: No popular vote, yet a test of inclusivity and change for Sharaa rule

Beirut: Syria is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday for the first time since the fall of the country’s longtime autocratic leader, Bashar Assad, who was unseated in a rebel offensive in December. Read More

Watch: How thousands came together with open hearts to lift this Taiwanese town after devastating floods

Thousands of volunteers from across Taiwan gathered in Hualien County to support flood recovery efforts after Typhoon Ragasa caused deadly flooding in several townships. Read More

Frustrated over shutdown, Vance uses unverified claim to pin blame on Democrats

US Vice President JD Vance resorted to inaccurate claims as he blamed the Democrats for the government shutdown. US Vice President JD Vance resorted to inaccurate claims as he blamed the Democrats for the government shutdown. Read More

‘Inspiring address’: PM Modi hails RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s centenary speech; stresses global impact of Sangh’s values

PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address on the organisation’s centenary. Read More

Topics

‘Shocking’: London police rocked by undercover BBC investigation, Starmer calls for ‘robust’ response

Rory Bibb, the reporter behind the bombshell BBC report, spent seven months in the guise of a civilian working as a detention officer in the custody suite of Charing Cross police station in central London British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ha Read More

Syria election: No popular vote, yet a test of inclusivity and change for Sharaa rule

Beirut: Syria is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday for the first time since the fall of the country’s longtime autocratic leader, Bashar Assad, who was unseated in a rebel offensive in December. Read More

Watch: How thousands came together with open hearts to lift this Taiwanese town after devastating floods

Thousands of volunteers from across Taiwan gathered in Hualien County to support flood recovery efforts after Typhoon Ragasa caused deadly flooding in several townships. Read More

Frustrated over shutdown, Vance uses unverified claim to pin blame on Democrats

US Vice President JD Vance resorted to inaccurate claims as he blamed the Democrats for the government shutdown. US Vice President JD Vance resorted to inaccurate claims as he blamed the Democrats for the government shutdown. Read More

‘Inspiring address’: PM Modi hails RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s centenary speech; stresses global impact of Sangh’s values

PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address on the organisation’s centenary. Read More

‘Zionists and RSS twin brothers’: Kerala CM remarks on Sangh centenary; calls PM Modi ‘humble servant’ of Trump

NEW DELHI: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday compared the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to Zionists in Israel, saying, “Zionists in Israel and RSS in India are twin brothers. Read More

Foreign Hand? Bangladesh’s Jamaat To Drop ‘Establish Islam’ Logo In Image Makeover | Exclusive

Reported By : Edited By: Last Updated:October 02, 2025, 14:27 IST The new logo came up in a meeting between Jamaat and the Spanish ambassador, triggering buzz of the international community encouraging Jamaat’s re-entry into Bangladesh p Read More

Jasprit Bumrah Hits Major Milestone! Joint Fastest Indian To 50 Test Wickets at Home

Jasprit Bumrah has equalled a major, and very impressive Test cricket record for India. He is now the fastest Indian to take 50 wickets at home in the longest format of the game, alongside veteran Javagal Srinath. Read More

Related Articles