Britain's cash bonds for Indians slammed

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 31. India today slammed Britain for imposing cash bonds on Indians seeking short-term visas for London as reported in a section of the press.

Reacting to press reports from London stating that Indians visiting their relatives might have to pay a cash bond of œ10,000 to get a visa, the foreign office spokesman said that New Delhi was ``ascertaining the facts of the issue.'' The Foreign Office, however, strongly objected to Britain's inability to consult the Government of India in advance as well as the ``discriminatory'' nature of the new provision.

``The information we have at present is through press reports as we have not been extended the courtesy of being consulted,'' the Foreign Office spokesman said and pointed out that ``in consular matters any new rules should be implemented across the board on a non-discriminatory basis for citizens of all countries.'' Analysts here point out that the new rule is discriminatory because it is, at the moment, targeting Indians alone.

The spokesman warned that India could take ``reciprocal action'' in case ``such rules and guidelines are instituted.''

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Tom Macan today, sought to clarify the new guidelines. He said that the ruling which was part of ``pilot project'' would be applicable only to those who wished to visit relatives in the United Kingdom. Those who had been refused visa and some others would now be able to travel to Britain after furnishing these bonds. The visa would, however, not be automatically granted on furnishing the bond as visa officers would continue to retain some discretionary powers. The money would be returned in case the visitor returned in the stipulated visa period, but would be otherwise forfeited. The scheme, Mr. Macan said, was meant to discourage relatives form overstaying in Britain.

Mr. Macan clarified that 56,000 Indians in Delhi and 65,000 more in Mumbai had obtained British visas last year and only 17,000 requests had been turned down.

Asked to comment on the hefty bond amount, Mr.Macan said that it was likely that this money would be furnished by the sponsors of the relatives who were already residing in Britain. The scheme, subject to its success, could also be extended to Pakistan , Bangladesh and some African countries.

The new provisions are likely to be discussed during the four-day visit of the British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr. Keith Vaz, starting tomorrow.

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Section  : National
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