Search Results for agency_names:"State Department"

The Department of State has issued a final rule that updates the criteria for issuing "diplomatic type" or "official type" visas, aiming to better align with U.S. laws and international travel practices. This rule expands the previous definition of passports by including non-national travel documents, such as those from organizations like the United Nations, as potential equivalents to diplomatic passports. It also clarifies the categories of individuals who can receive these visas, making distinctions to avoid confusion between visa types and classifications. These changes ensure that the visa issuance process for diplomatic, official, and regular types is consistent and transparent.

The Department of State has announced notifications for proposed commercial export licenses for defense articles, technical data, and defense services, which were submitted to Congress on various dates. Some key transactions involve exports to countries like Germany, UAE, and the UK for items like radar systems and firearms. The notifications are required by the Arms Export Control Act and were published to inform the public, emphasizing that the U.S. government considers factors such as politics and human rights before licensing these exports. The licenses include sales over $50,000,000, with detailed business information withheld to protect U.S. firms from competitive harm.

The Department of State has issued a final rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), specifically adjusting the fees required for registration with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). The updated rule increases the registration fees for the first time in fifteen years, necessary to cover rising operational costs and prevent budget deficits. Responses to public comments were considered, particularly concerning the impact on small businesses, leading to the introduction of a discounted fee for qualifying Tier 1 registrants. The changes aim to maintain DDTC operations while ensuring fair distribution of costs among registrants.