The Indian government was considering granting `visa-on-arrival` to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) to help them tide through the delays…
The Indian government was considering granting `visa-on-arrival` to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) to help them tide through the delays in visa procurement.
In order to meet the demand, we would take up the option of granting them visa-on-arrival with the ministries concerned, federal Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler said, attributing the delay to lack of manpower in the Indian embassies in various countries.
Although the federal Ministry of Home Affairs has expressed reservations against visa-on-arrival facility due to security reasons, his (Tytler`s) Ministry would try to convince it the need for such an option, Tytler said at a function here, in India`s capital, on Sunday evening.
Our embassies across the world receive thousands of visa applications annually, but due to the shortage of staff and other reasons, we are able to provide only a few hundred visas, he said.
In terms of foreign investments too, the contribution of PIOs is immense as they have invested more than USD 34 bn last year, Tytler said adding that with a relaxed visa regime the figure could touch a whopping USD 500 bn.
He also said relaxation of visa procedures for an estimated 21 million strong diaspora across the world would benefit the country`s tourism and hospitality industry.
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