
The camp, held in Hicksville, drew attendees from five states, with 13 staff members from the Consulate and VFS Global resolving 212 inquiries on the spot. Although 171 people had registered, the team handled a higher number of cases, underscoring the demand for direct consular access.
Ambassador Pradhan, who attended the event, reiterated the Consulate's open-door policy and cautioned attendees against unauthorized agents who charge excessive fees for services that are available directly through official channels.
The event was supported by 40 volunteers from the AAPI Phoenix Society (APS) youth wing, as well as community organizations RANA and BRUHUD, who assisted elderly attendees in navigating the application process.
The Consulate has been organizing such camps across its jurisdiction to bring services closer to the diaspora, particularly for those who face challenges traveling to New York City.
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