Rude/Unhelpful U.S. Embassy Personnel?

Question

I was wondering which channels to go through in order to file a formal complaint against personnel of a U.S. Embassy overseas. And, would it even be worth it to lodge a complaint or would this just create more problems for me?

I'm sure I'm far from being the first one to be unhappy with the way I was treated by my embassy, so somebody should have a good idea of the answer to this question.

Answer 1

It would depend on the circumstances of yoru discourse with the Embassy/Consulate person. I would venture a guess and state that the majority of American citizens have little to no clue as to what an Embassy/Consulate can do for them overseas. Most of the times American tourists come to an Embassy/Consulate with unrealistic expectations of what the employees can do for them.
Nonetheless, you can complain to the Supervisor of the American Citizens Services section of the Embassy/Consulate and the same named office (or similar) at the actual Department of State in Washington DC. Contrary to what most people think, if you complaint is valid, well stated, and backed up with fact, you can make some heads roll.

Answer 2

You could write to the Ambassador accredited to your country, however there may be other ways of resolving this . I am by no means an expert in consular affairs nor do I know what transpired between you and the embassy staff, but I would not take this personally. Embassy staff are frequently overworked and are asked the same questions repeatedly to the point of frustration.

If your matter is still unresolved pending processing or other administration , I would wait till the next time you have to communicate with them. Many altercations are the result of a misunderstanding or just interpersonal conflict, so when you talk to them next make sure you are in a calm state of mind. Stay focused on your objectives, answer all questions or make all requests as politely and succinctly as possible. This makes it easier for the service provider to assimilate all the information and provide a response. Remember that this person probably has to deal with hundreds of people on a daily basis and he / she may be having a bad day. An even temprament coupled with a pleasentary or two will bring your conversation from the "business" level to the "human" level.

Please understand that I am not condoning the rudeness and inefficiency you have had to experience, but it is something you will find in all levels of business. There is no excuse for that kind of behaviour, but it is a reality. Please do not take it to heart. I will end with a trite saying :

To err is human, but to forgive is divine ( sorry if I misquoted, but you get the message !)

Answer 3

The US Embassy employees can be rude to you all they want. There is no one to report your "unhappiness" to. The US Government does not care.

If you want to allege fraud, waste, or abuse (probably must be criminal) you can all the Inspector General's office at the State Department.

You can report anonymously, or if you give your name they will keep it confidential. Most likely, it won't create problems for you, but it most likely won't help you either.

If you are not a US citizen, the other way is to complain to a government official in your own country. You can try to get your government to deseginate an individual as a "persona non grata," and they must leave the country. In most countries, this will be extremely difficult.

Answer 4

In my experience, American citizens overseas often have an unrealistic expectation of the benefits which can be provided by a US mission abroad. On the other hand, mission employees generally have a clear understanding of their legal, professional and moral obligations and responsibilities.

Case in point - the recent evacuations in Lebanon. How may US citizens ignored the State Department warnings about the inherent dangers in going to such a violent and politically unstable part of the world, yet then demanded to be housed, fed and transported at US government (i.e., taxpayer) expense, when the inevitable violence necessitated their evacuation?

I have no idea what led to your posting your question, perhaps it was just an overworked public servant in an understaffed office who was having a rough day. If you really feel the need to convey your concerns to someone, send it to the head of whatever department fell short of your expectations.

Answer 5

Hmmm... this may well be fairly achievable to make your suggestions up, as that is in comparison to we've had thousands of militia operations, yet might take a good distance too lots learn for a Yahoo solutions question.. i'm assuming you propose in a attempt against place, as i've got faith there's a militia escort with the President each and every time he is going on professional visits.... properly, U.S. troops have in all probability been in each eu u . s . by WWI, WWII, and the chilly war, so as that'd make approximately 30 international places... plus Japan, Indonesia, Iraq, China (in WWII) Kuwait, Cuba, Mexico, Canada, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Haiti, Rwanda, Somalia, Lebanon... God.. the checklist is gettin vast already, i'm gonna quit on an identical time as i'm forward... enable's placed a coarse estimate at: 0.5 the present international places interior the international, a minimum of.

Answer 6

Embassy personnel have rules to follow and they follow them. If you are NOT a US citizen you don't have any rights here.

Personally as a citizen I fully expect them stick to the rules. It is their job to keep the public trust. That's just the way it is.

Answer 7

They are extremely rude and disrespectful at the U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh.The consular my wife had to deal with during her immigrant visa interview was rolling his eyes like a 5 year old child and talked down to us like we were children.It took a lot of self control to keep myself from telling him what to suck.

Answer 8

why would you want some honest embassy or consular officer break the laws of two nation to accommodate you, as for rudeness guess it merit your behavior but doubt full they are or have been position of trust and integrity and benevolence

Answer 9

In you're experience has filing a complaint against anyone in America ever showed any results?

Answer 10

If your reason for going to the consulate has been resolved complain to the head consular officer where you encountered the problem or the State Department in the US.

If your work is still in transit no sense pissing off the State Department. They work slow enough as it is, getting them mad won't motivate them to help you that much quicker.