**GAO-08-892**                      Published: Jul 29, 2008. Publicly Released: Jul 29, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

In 2007, the Department of State (State) reported that some foreign diplomats may be abusing the household workers they brought to the United States on A-3 or G-5 visas. GAO was asked to (1) determine the number of A-3 or G-5 visa holders who have alleged abuse by foreign diplomats with immunity since 2000, (2) review the U.S. government's process for investigating these allegations, and (3) assess how State ensures that its policies for issuing A-3 and G-5 visas are implemented correctly and consistently. GAO analyzed documents, interviewed officials, and conducted fieldwork at four consular posts that issue large numbers of A-3 or G-5 visas.

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## Topics

International Affairs

Civil rightsCrimes against humanityDiplomatic privilege and immunitiesDiplomatsEmployee rightsEmployeesEmploymentForeign governmentsForeign policiesHomeland securityHuman rights violationsInternational organizationsInternational relationsInvestigations by federal agenciesLaw enforcementMinimum wage ratesProgram abusesRisk factorsRisk managementState employeesVisasAbusePolicies and procedures