US Secretary Marco Rubio Announces New Visa Prioritisation Policy

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new “America First” visa schedule while addressing the dedication ceremony of the US Embassy Support Annex Building, emphasizing stronger business ties, operational efficiency and support for diplomatic personnel.

During his speech, Rubio stated that the new visa schedule would prioritize business professionals who contribute to strengthening strategic and economic partnerships. He underlined the role of such initiatives in advancing US interests while improving engagement with international partners.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rubio said: “We're introducing a new America First visa schedule that prioritises business professionals that strengthen these ties.”

He also stressed that the newly dedicated facility is not solely intended for visa applicants but would also support American diplomatic personnel working at the mission.

According to Rubio, embassy staff remain on the front lines of advancing US national interests and national security goals.
Rubio highlighted the importance of the facility in improving efficiency and reducing operational costs, saying it would help process work with greater speed, accuracy and effectiveness while saving taxpayer money.

He added that the upgraded infrastructure would enable diplomatic missions to function more efficiently while strengthening overall operations and service delivery.

The announcement comes amid broader efforts to modernize US diplomatic systems and improve administrative processes linked to international engagement and visa services.