http://twitter.com/#!/USEmbassyCairo/status/268733882352951296
Our government can’t get its act together at home, so it’s not much of a stretch to assume it’s a mess abroad, too. Still, this is pretty ridiculous. The U.S. Embassy in Cairo, rather infamous now for tweeting things it shouldn’t, advised a Sudanese student seeking to study in the U.S. to contact the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum in order to obtain a visa. Just one problem: the embassy in Khartoum has been closed since September.
@saraayacoub NIV is temporarily suspended check embassy website for latest updates sudan.usembassy.gov
— U.S.Embassy Khartoum (@USembassykrt) September 26, 2012
Special Announcement: Update November 12, 2012: All visa services at the U. S. Embassy in Khartoum are still suspended until further notice.
On September 14, 2012 protestors attacked the U. S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan. For security reasons the Consular Section is closed to the public until further notice. The Embassy regrets the inconvenience this temporary suspension causes for persons wishing to visit the United States. At this time, we do not know when the U. S. Embassy will resume Consular and visa services. Please monitor our website for information on resumption of service.
The student quickly discovered that Cairo’s help wasn’t all that helpful:
@usembassycairo i already contact the embassyAll services at the U. S. Embassy in Khartoum are suspended until further notice #StudyUSA
— Mustafa M.Abdulmagid (@Mustafa2004) November 14, 2012
Cairo responded by providing information about protocol for Egyptian students:
.@mustafa2004 SUSI-Students for Egyptian students will be announced next week through this link: egypt.usembassy.gov/pa/xchgs.html
— US Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) November 14, 2012
.@mustafa2004 Please check out our website ow.ly/fhLp0 the program will be posted shortly #StudyUSA
— US Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) November 14, 2012
So, basically, all Mustafa needs to do is become an Egyptian citizen. And then he’ll be all set! Thanks, U.S. government!