Namaste,

First of all I would like to thank you for taking the time and making the effort to bring this matter to our attention.

On the issue raised I would like to clarify that the US Embassy, everywhere in the world, is very particular on the photograph that is attached to visa applications. These specifications have been given to us and so when we take visa applications we also take a close look at the photograph attached by the applicant to ensure that it meets the requirements. For example even if the photo given is the same as the photo attached to the passport, but the passport has been issued a couple of years back, the applicant will have to get a more up to date photo otherwise the visa application will be returned.

So as to ensure minimization of returned applications in order to enhance the efficiency of the visa issuing authorities as well as lessen the trouble that applicants will face having to resubmit their applications, our staff who accept the applications look at the photo and ask applicants to change them if needed.

I assure you we have no ‘deal for commissions’ with any photo studio, but I think the photo studio mentioned is the one closest to the Branch therefore it is natural that most people walk out of the branch and go there to get a photo. Infact most probably in due course a couple more studios may even open up if the business is that good. I assure you that we value the reputation of Nabil Bank far more than a few lakh rupees.

You may pass this email on to the site or person who posted this and if the person who posted this note would like to contact me directly I would be only too happy to discuss the issue.

Once again thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

-----Original Message-----
From: Amazing Fren [mailto:fren_amazing@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:19 PM
To: anil.shah@nabilbank.com
Subject: Nabil Bank staff - Cheating????

Dear Anil jee
Namste,

Just found this news about Nabil Bank in some internet forum. Im just forwarding this to you. If you need I can also provide the website address but for now. here we go....

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Last time, I went to Nabil Bank to submit application for US visa and I wanted to share my experience with Nabil Bank. I have been living in USA and last time I went to Nepal to visit family and get visa. I prepared all my documents from USA together with Application form and photographs. But when I submitted my application at Nabil Bank, the person in the counter told me that my PHOTO is not valid and I need to take photo from specific place near Nabil Bank. Name of that photo shop is ORCHID DIGITAL PRINT, Maharajagunj, Chakrapath, Tel: 4720461. I saw everyone was being told same thing and being sent to same photo shop. This photo shop charges Rs.150 for 2 photos. Now, you image if 100 people apply at US embassy per day and Nabil Bank is open for 6 days a week then this photo shop will be making 100 person x 24 days x Rs 150 = Rs. 3,60,000 per month which is very huge amount of money. And I am definitely sure somebody from Nabil Bank is having a big commission out of it.
I was even more upset because I developed the photographs in USA and this photo is valid to be used everywhere in USA but Nabil Bank staffs told me that it can not be used in US embassy in Nepal. And this was not my first visa stamping for USA . I even had visa stamping in Toronto , Canada with same quality photo. But the problem is only with Nabil Bank management and this is big inconvenience for everyone applying visa at US embassy in Nepal .

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Other guy wrote

Last December, I had applied for visa through US Embassy in Nepal . I had taken picture in US itself, " US passport application standard picture". But surprise, the lady at Nabil bank said that's not valid. She said it’s slightly darker than me. It was true, but shouldn't be of any concern as it wasn't much significant. I asked her why it could be any problem; she replied "that picture doesn't look exactly like you". I argued with her as my passport had exactly the same picture. She then said "it's harder to print your darker picture in visa". I asked her what people in Africa do for their picture then, they already are darker to start with. She had no answer, but simply wouldn't allow me to use my picture.
I then took a new picture (they however didn't suggest me any places). Paying extra cost for emergency picture I returned next day to her, she accepted that picture. The new picture had me fairer, tad lipstick on (I'm male), tad foundation. What the hell? That doesn't look similar to me than the one I had taken in US.
Judging by this thread, either some sucker in that bank are making hefty amount on commission or its “बिरालो बांधेर श्राद्ध
”, they are used to people bringing picture from “Photo Concern” which are pimped up.

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Tanks
I hope you will find out the fact.

Best regards and well wisher of Nabil as well as Nepalis
Mr. Amazing