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  VISA BAN CRAMPS TOURISM

The British officials have taken seriously the danger of a conflict and the possible influx of people from both the nations.
 
 

The possibility of a war between India and Pakistan has taken another twist. Indians going abroad are the affected lot. The British High Commission has announced that it would not grant visas to first-time travellers to the U. K. until further notice. The High Commission attributes the cutback in visas for first-time travellers to the reduction in Embassy staff since such travellers require to be interviewed. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have stopped issuing visas to tourists. The United States of America is taking similar action on issuing visas to Indians. "First, the diplomats of various missions and foreign tourists were asked to leave the ‘war zone’ and next, it is the Indians who are being prevented from going abroad. I do not think it is shortage of staff that has led to the British High Commission or the other missions denying visas to first-time travellers. If that is really the case, they should hire professionals to do the job," says Manoj Parihar whose plans to visit London later in June went awry.

The British High Commission’s decision came a day after British Home Secretary, David Blunkett’s talk about possible asylum-seekers from India and Pakistan in the event of a war between the two countries. The British officials have taken seriously the danger of a conflict and the possible influx of people from both the nations.

However, an official at the British High Commission said, "The visa restrictions have nothing to do with the fear of Indians or Pakistanis fleeing to the U. K. in case of a war. We cannot process visa applications of first-time travellers because we are short staffed. We had to send our diplomats back as we are concerned about their safety." The official added: "The visa operations in the British Deputy High Commissions in Kolkata and Chennai continue to operate normally, providing services for residents of their regions only."

The British High Commission’s announcement that it will not grant visas to first-time travellers comes as a blow to the travel industry. The worst affected is the outbound leisure traffic. Regional Manager Vikas Khanduri, Cox & Kings, says: "It is a very negative signal, and this has come at a time when the flow of Europe-bound tourists, especially from North India, is at its peak. " Our package tours to Europe without a visit to London become meaningless. Also, Australia, New Zealand and Germany have virtually stopped issuing visas and the U. S. A. has become very stingy about issuing visas. This measure is rather surprising, as there is no imminent threat of war. As a result of this move, we will now have to tap the Far East for our travellers and, perhaps, add a cruise to it."

   

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