This final rule sets forth the fees for consular services to take effect on February 1, 1998, and makes appropriate implementing and other related changes in affected portions of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Specifically, the rule makes changes in the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (``Schedule of Fees'' or ``Schedule'') published in 22 CFR 22.1 and makes technical changes to 22 CFR part 51 (concerning passport fees) and 22 CFR part 53. The changes to the Schedule of Fees include adjustments to existing fees and the new processing fee for diversity visa applicants (see 22 CFR 42.33(i)), which took effect on October 1, 1997. The primary objective of the adjustments to the Schedule of Fees is to ensure that the costs of consular services are recovered through user fees to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law. As a result of new data on the cost of services, the passport fee is being lowered while most other fees are being increased. In addition, the Schedule of Fees is being restructured and streamlined. Fees for antiquated services no longer performed are being removed and fees for other services are being consolidated or more appropriately located, making the Schedule easier to read and understand. Consular services that will be performed for no fee are being added to the Schedule to facilitate tracking these services and to inform the public of all significant consular services provided by the Department. The revised Schedule of Consular Fees was published as a proposed rule in the Federal Register on December 1, 1997 (62 FR 63478-85). During the 30-day public comment period, a small number of comments were received from the general public. Those comments are addressed under Supplementary Information below. For the reasons explained, the Department is setting consular fees as originally proposed, but will be making some changes in its crew list visa procedures to address concerns raised by some members of the shipping industry. Minor technical changes are being made in the wording of the Schedule for purposes of clarification.
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