Re: Visa help.
 

Yes its official....180 day max stay followed by a 2 month break before being allowed re-entry! Living in India on tourist visas not allowed. Apparently they don't want that kind of tourist.

This applies to tourist visas only according to the dnaindia article.

Regards,
Remy

PS. at least its 180 days and not 90 days which was first mentioned by them!!!!
as long as tourist visas are still stamped 180 days max stay and not reduced to 90 this shouldn't affect too many people!!!!

Re: Visa help.
 

The reason for the whole clampdown is in the link below;

http://www.zeenews.com/news590834.html



Wether you agree or not with the changes .....you can see their point!!!

Re: Visa help.
 

Might be useful also to watch the Foreign & Commonwealth Office site. The current information was updated on 24.12.2009 and marked still current as of today.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-...-oceania/india

Re: Visa help.
 

Now we know the rules on tourist visas, how will this effect my 5 year x visa?.
Any ideas?:thumbsup:

Re: Visa help.
 

If you read the links, it seems this only relates to TOURIST visas.

Dread - x

Re: Visa help.
 

Hi All,

Out of curiousity I rang the customer services of a well known tour operator to Goa yesterday asking about the visa situation- they (worryingly) didn't know what I was talikng about :confused:

K-C

Re: Visa help.
 

Just leave all your money and worldly goods at the airport prior to deportation; they really don't want the bother of you staying there any time.

Foreign Direct Investment with a No Money Back Guarantee.

Re: Visa help.
 

Wasn't that what that M.U.P.P.E.T Churchill Alamao openly stated he wanted?

(M.U.P.P.E.T = Most useless political person ever tolerated !!)

Dread - x

Re: Visa help.
 

I have just been advised that comprehensive clarification of tourist visas and recent changes with detailed Q & As has been issued by the MHA and can be downloaded in pdf format from:

http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/FAQ-TVisa311209.pdf

I realise that this is not good news for some of those who were offered tourist visas when their x visas were withdrawn and sincerely hope that
some successful resolution is found for their difficulties.

This para has also been added to the earlier statement:

This includes foreigners holding Tourist Visa who after initial entry into India had gone out of the country largely on account of neighbourhood tourism related travel and are re-entering India within two months before their final exit from India. However, Immigration authorities in all Immigration Check Posts may allow such foreign nationals on Tourist Visa to make two or three entries into the country (need based) subject to production of an itinerary and supporting documentation (Ticket bookings).

Re: Visa help.
 

More importantly for some of us - from para #1:
a Tourist Visa can only be granted to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India

AndyD 8-(#

P.S. I have emailled Vicki Treadell at the British High Commission - I suggest ALL British expat property owners do the same.

Re: Visa help.
 

I have also e-mailed her Andy,I'm sure it will be another topic that will be bought up at the meeting on 21st January:fingerscrossed:
This is looking pretty grim all round:thumbdown:
GC;)

Re: Visa help.
 

Could this actually work as a positive?
For example,
'I need an x-visa as under the current guidelines i don't meet the criteria for a tourist visa. I have a residence in Goa so hand over my 5 year x, thankyou very much'

If we're smart enough this could be used to force their hand regarding the re-issue of x visas.

We also should remember that the new rules are not Goan rules or exclusive to Goa but affect all of India......which could give the 'cause' more weight.

Re: Visa help.
 

Yes Remy it might but there again it might not because if we turn up at the visa office and state we have a property in Goa,we could be told we can't own property in Goa and given nothing or reported to the D of E which I know has happened to a couple I know and others.
It could well work for you me old China as legally you being a PIO have every right according to Indian law to own property in India.
GC;)
:wub:& peace

Re: Visa help.
 

I was just thinking the same thing if we go armed with our papers etc bank statements for our indian accounts, all obtain PAN cards (which ive been told is quite simple as is driving licenses) though ive never had one we ma well win this one.
got to give it a go!!!!
where do we find that quote AFD had posted ?

Re: Visa help.
 

The thing is folks with the backing of Vicky and a bit of pressure applied in the right places they will have to IMHO give some sort of visa otherwise it would mean an outright ban, which in the interests of British/Indian relations could end up being catastrophic for both Countries.

Just trying to install a bit of hope folks and remain optimistic... what's the alternative?

PS. Heres the link although it seems to be temporarily out of service
http://mha.nic.in/writereaddata/1262...Visa311209.pdf



:wub:
Remy

Re: Visa help.
 

Hi GC,

If you haven't registered your property and they are not aware of any property connection then my advice would be not to mention it and apply for tourist visa as normal.........im referring to those who have property that is registered and therefore under the spotlight. If these people are not going to meet the criteria for a tourist visa then they need to argue their case for an x visa and this could very well provide a reason for not accepting anything less.

Regards,
Remy

Re: Visa help.
 

this link seems to work OK
(warning - .PDF file)

GoaCrazy - risking a DofE investigation is the least of our worries -
UNLESS THAY ISSUE US 'X' VISAS AGAIN WE CAN@T LEGALLY ENTER INDIA AT ALL!!!

AndyD 8-(#

Re: Visa help.
 

I disagree, partly because I agree with your point that it could be a leverage point, but also because it would be illegal and you could be banned from India for life or even jailed.
Unless this gets sorted PDQ I recommend that ALL foreign property owners should NOT apply for T visas, apply for X visas and SCREAM & SHOUT at MP's Ministers, British High Commission etc etc!!!!!

AND no cause to feel smug if you already have an X visas - last thing I was told by VFS/HCI was that ONLY PIO's could have them and there is PLENTY of evidence that they are not renewing them.

AndyD 8-(#

Re: Visa help.
 

but technically speaking if your property isn't registered then you don't legally own it anyway so in a way your only leasing.......I THINK!

Andy where can the form for x visa be found online......i have been searching but can't find it or is it an embassy only document?

Re: Visa help.
 

The status of people with Agreements for Sale has been somewhat confused since 2006, but they have at least the equivalent of a lease, and the new rules say "have a residence" not "own a residence".

You apply in the usual way but ask for an Entry ('X') visa type.

AndyD

Re: Visa help.
 

You need to go back to where you found that link, click through and copy the link out of the browser address bar.. what you've copied is missing some letters and won't work.
I don't know if it goes to the same page that a_f_d just posted: http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/FAQ-TVisa311209.pdf

Re: Visa help.
 

Thats the one, thanks Meauxna.:)

Re: Visa help.
 

Cool. :)
I"m addicted to your story now. I hope you all find a resolution to this situation.
Try not to panic, I'm sure it will eventually work out. But it must be stressful in the meantime!

Re: Visa help.
 

One might have thought that going through all the painful steps to obtain residence in the first place would not turn out to become such a disadvantage in the end, and so soon!

Considering how long things usually take in India, the sheer speed of this whole thing amazes and shocks me.
They really mean it, this time.

Re: Visa help.
 

GoaCrazy - risking a DofE investigation is the least of our worries -
UNLESS THAY ISSUE US 'X' VISAS AGAIN WE CAN@T LEGALLY ENTER INDIA AT ALL!!!

AndyD 8-(#[/QUOTE]

Andy I understand this being investigated is not the biggest Issue actually getting in to India is.We can be refused visas at any time.
I think we all need to write to Vicki which i have done today and Ill start writing out tomorrow to my MP.Im with you on this we need to inform anyone in Government that will listen to us on this one.:fingerscrossed:
What about another petition,just a thought?
GC;)
It really is looking bleak for us,it's something every dam!! year they bring out to cause more worry and stress:thumbdown: :rolleyes: :thumbdown:

Re: Visa help.
 

Andy I understand this being investigated is not the biggest Issue actually getting in to India is.We can be refused visas at any time.
I think we all need to write to Vicki which i have done today and Ill start writing out tomorrow to my MP.Im with you on this we need to inform anyone in Government that will listen to us on this one.:fingerscrossed:
What about another petition,just a thought?
GC;)
It really is looking bleak for us,it's something every dam!! year they bring out to cause more worry and stress:thumbdown: :rolleyes: :thumbdown:[/QUOTE]

Now they are saying that certain countries, NZealand Japan Finland LUXEMBOURG Singapore on an expeimental basis with effect form 1.1.2010

Tourists from the said countgries can also procure their visas from Mission/posts in the normal course. Validity of 30 days with single entry
at Delhi Mumbai Chennai and Kilkata airports. - Can you imagine the chaos

Nothing for UK.

Re: Visa help.
 

Now they are saying that certain countries, NZealand Japan Finland LUXEMBOURG Singapore on an expeimental basis with effect form 1.1.2010

Tourists from the said countgries can also procure their visas from Mission/posts in the normal course. Validity of 30 days with single entry
at Delhi Mumbai Chennai and Kilkata airports. - Can you imagine the chaos

Nothing for UK.[/QUOT


There will always be nothing for the UK,they are terrified of giving us any sort of flexibility,it all stems back to the day's of the Raj,they are paranoid we will take India again as a British Colonny.
How much clearer can they paint it for us,India doesn't want us there,It only wants the aid we are daft enough to keep sending.
I am on a mission this morning now writing out to MPs councilor.

Im with Noni and Andy on this one we need to start knocking the Britsh Government door again with this problem.I suggest we remind them that it is tax payers money they are using when they send Billions in aid to India.I don't begrudge a penny but this is the final straw with this new visa rule. Next it will be they start issuing a temporary visa then where will we all be.
"Exactly where they want us" up sh!t street without a paddle:thumbdown:
GC;)

Re: Visa help.
 

My mission has started, i am so outraged about the hole f...kg thing, they have put us through enough misery these past 3 years we do as we are told, go to investigations at our expense all the way to mumbai without even a weeks notice, they fail to turn up on time, make sure all our paperwork is there, go through an interigation and they dont even reply or tell us anything !!!!!stop our long term visas, threaten us with confistation play mind games now this with the visas.
As the previous post stated they dont want us brits here not just in Goa in India WELL THEY CAN POKE GOA AND INDIA let me sell my home take my money and get out of this god forsaken place. they are well and truely welcome to it.
Its about time the british government starting listening to whats happening and respond !!!!

Re: Visa help.
 

Actually Not True.
The new ruling is just NOT for the British and in fact we are allowed to stay for 180 days on a tourist visa while a lot of other countries are 90 days.

It is crucial however that you seek clarification as to what visa will now be granted to home owners via FCO, MP etc. They can request clarification directly from Indian Government.........i doubt the answer will be none as this would start a political visa war!

As this is a new ruling it will be subject to alterations and amendments.

Remy

Re: Visa help.
 

umm.. to be fair, British Citizens had visa-free entry to India as late as the seventies.
I'm afraid to say that what they are paranoid about (and the more so after the Headley affair) is the number of Pakistan-origin people who are UK Citizens and could come to India.
They seem blinkered to the fact that both the Prime Minister of India and the Leader of the Opposition were born in "a part of undivided India** that is now in Pakistan" - so they would have great difficulty getting visas for India if they lived abroad!!!

AndyD 8-)#

** = "British India" but some people would rather chew on broken glass than say it <g>

Re: Visa help.
 

http://mha.nic.in/writereaddata/1262...Visa311209.pdf thanks to Goanvoice.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATING TO TOURIST VISA
As per the extant instructions of the Government of India, a Tourist Visa can only be granted to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight seeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives etc. No other activity is permissible on a Tourist Visa. The Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.
2. It has come to the notice of the Government that there has been abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa. With a view to curb the abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa, instructions have been issued by the Government imposing the following restrictions:-
(a) In respect of foreign nationals holding Tourist Visas with multiple entry facility, there should be a gap of at least 2 months between two visits to the country on such a Tourist Visa.
(b) If any foreign national is required to visit the country again within a period of 2 months of his last departure, such foreign national should obtain special permission from the Mission/Post concerned. The Mission/Post may consider such requests on merits of each case.
(c) In all such cases, the foreign national should register himself with the FRRO/FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival. An endorsement to this effect will be made on the visa sticker.
(d) If a foreign national applies for Tourist Visa frequently i.e within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa, the Indian Missions/Posts abroad would refer such cases to MHA (Foreigners Division) for clearance before grant of fresh Tourist visa.
3. Frequently asked questions with regard to the above issues and replies thereto are outlined below for information, guidance and compliance of all concerned:-
Q.1: Whether the gap of two months between two visits would apply to all Tourist Visa holders ?
Ans. : The gap of two months between two visits would apply to all Tourist Visa holders.
Q.2 : Whether the gap of two months between two visits would apply irrespective of the duration of stay in India during the previous visit ?
Ans.: The intention behind the stipulation of a gap of two months between two visits on a Tourist Visa is to curb the abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa. With a view to ensure that the genuine tourists are not affected by the recent guidelines, the following clarifications are furnished:
(I) Foreigners holding Tourist Visas, who after initial entry into India plan to visit another country largely on account of neighbourhood tourism related travel and re-enter India before finally exiting, may be
permitted two or three entries, as the case may be (need based), by the Indian Missions/Posts subject to their submission of a detailed itinerary and supporting documentation (ticket bookings). If they are already outside of their country of origin, they can also get such an endorsement from the nearest Indian Mission/Post.
(II) The Immigration authorities in all the Immigration Check Posts may also allow such foreign nationals on Tourist Visas arriving in India without the specific authorization from the Indian Missions/Posts to make two or three entries into the country (need based) subject to production of an itinerary and supporting documentation (ticket bookings).
(III) The total period of stay in the country counted from the date of first entry into the country shall not exceed the stay stipulation period of 180 days or 90 days, as the case may be.
(IV) Once such a foreign national finally exits the country after availing the facility of two or three entries (within the stay stipulation period of 180 days or 90 days as the case may be), there should be a gap of at least 2 months before he/she can come again to the country.
(V) If any foreign national falling in the category as mentioned in sub-para (IV) above is required to visit India again within a period of 2 months after his/her last departure, such foreign national should obtain special permission from the Mission/Post. Such re-entry within the stipulated gap of two months may be permitted only in emergent situations like death/serious illness in the family, non-availability of connecting flights to return to his/her country of origin or travel to another country or any other exigent situation which can be duly justified with proper documentation to the satisfaction of the Mission/ Post granting the permission. The Mission/Post will have to examine each case on merits before grant of requisite permission subject to the following conditions:-
(a) The applicant should furnish an undertaking on the following lines:-
(i) That the purpose of his/her visit is because of emergency situation.
(ii) That he is not engaged in Business activities, nor in Employment or pursuing studies/research etc.
(b) In all such cases i.e. those covered by sub-para V above, the foreign national should register himself with the FRRO/FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival. This registration may be
done with the FRRO/FRO concerned preferably at the first place of entry. An endorsement to this effect will be made on the visa sticker.
(VI) If a foreign national applies for Tourist Visa frequently i.e. within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa, the Indian Missions/Posts abroad should scrutinise the application thoroughly and refer such cases to MHA (Foreigners Division) for clearance before grant of fresh Tourist visa.
Q.3: Whether the permission for the second visit within the period of 2 months in respect of foreign nationals falling in the category mentioned in sub para (V) in reply to Question (2) can be granted by the Posts?
Ans.: Yes.
Q.4: Whether the Mission/Post in any country can grant permission for the second visit within the period of 2 months in respect of foreign nationals falling in the category mentioned in sub para (V) in reply to Question (2) or whether this can be granted only by the Mission/Post in the country of origin of the applicant.
Ans.: The requisite permission can be granted by the Mission/Post in any country on merits of each case and subject to the conditions mentioned in sub-para (V) in reply to Question (2) above. Intimation about the grant of permission may be furnished to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) and to the Mission/Post from where the original Visa was issued.
Q.5: Whether the requirement of reference to the Ministry of Home Affairs in respect of those foreign nationals who apply for Tourist Visa within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa would apply in respect of nationals of all countries?
Ans.: Yes.
Q.6: Are there any standard guidelines for the Indian Missions/Posts to decide the requests for re-entry within the stipulated gap of two months?
Ans.: The re-entry within the stipulated gap of two months, as mentioned in sub para (V) in reply to Question (2), may be permitted only in emergent situations like death/serious illness in the family, non-availability of connecting flights to return to his/her country of origin or travel to another country or any other exigent situation which can be duly justified with proper documentation to the satisfaction of the Mission/Post granting the permission. The Mission/Post will have to examine each case on merits before grant of requisite permission.
Q.7: In cases mentioned in sub para (V) in reply to Question 2, where will the foreigner register himself?
Ans.: The registration should be done with the FRRO/FRO concerned preferably at the first place of visit on re-entry.
Q.8: If a tourist’s passport is not stamped to indicate no re-entry within two months, can the tourist assume that he will be allowed to re-enter India within two months?
Ans.: No. Even if the tourist’s passport is not stamped, the restrictions as laid down will be applicable.
Q.9 Whether the restriction of two months gap for re-entering India is applicable to PIO/OCI card holders and foreigners holding business, employment, student and other categories of visa?
Ans.: No. The two months gap is applicable only to Tourist Visa holders.
Q.10 Whether any fee is required to be charged for making the requisite endorsement on the Passport.
Ans.: Miscellaneous Consular Service fee may be charged for making an endorsement.
Q.11 : How will medical tourists who return regularly to India for onward treatment be handled?
Ans.: For persons coming for medical treatment, there is a separate category of Medical Visa. Foreign nationals coming for medical treatment will have to come only on Medical Visa and not on Tourist Visa.
Q.12: How will the family members of diplomatic households who do not qualify for diplomatic visas (e.g. older children or domestic partners) be handled?
Ans.: The family members of diplomatic households who do not qualify for diplomatic visas may have to come on an ‘Entry(X)’ Visa if eligible. If they come on Tourist Visa, the restrictions as laid down will be applicable.
Q.13: How will individuals who come to India to volunteer for various charity organizations be treated? Many of them travel around the region while volunteering in India for extended periods on tourist visas.
Ans.: Tourist Visa is not the appropriate visa in such cases. A person coming for voluntary work can apply for ‘Entry (X)’ Visa.
****

Re: Visa help.
 

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-n...months/561319/

This was from 30th December, has anyone else seen it?

Got a sneaky feeling that I read that another Government Dept denied it all the next day, but of course in the chaos that is India, that probably means nothing?

Re: Visa help.
 

Hadn't seen it.....thanks for posting link.
Makes for interesting reading.
This may very well be an 'experimental' ruling which after 6 months, may well be binned, altered or amended.

Obviously there is opposition to the ruling within Indian Central Government as well.

Re: Visa help.
 

Andy are you saying in the seventies you never needed a visa to visit India?
I was'nt aware of this? So what was the reason for introducing visa for Britsh Citzens then?
cheers
GC;)

Re: Visa help.
 

..er Noni,
don't you need permission from the MHA to quote their copyright material in full (rather than just linking to it)?
P'raps you should ask a moderator <BG>

AndyD 8-)#

Re: Visa help.
 

he tweeted, they didn't blink exactly but one eyelid drooped a bit <s>

AndyD 8-)#

Re: Visa help.
 

Not even visas on arrival, a British Passport was accepted at face value ("Her Britannic Majesty's Principle Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs requests and requires.......").

I would guess we introduced visa requirements for Indians.

AndyD 8-)#

Re: Visa help.
 

So it was tit for tate,that makes sense thank you
GC:confused:

Re: Visa help.
 

I tried to link question and answers from Goan Voice but the link would not work.

Looks like we are well and truly stuffed for the beginning of Feb then - review in 6 months is no good to us.

If anyone knows anyone who is going to try and go back before their 2 months is up will you post the result please. Will try and appeal to Jet Airways but we have a fixed date ticket so not holding out much hope.

Re: Visa help.
 

Okay, I shall try & make this as ambiguous as possible in order that I don't risk identifying anyone concerned:

It concerns friends who go to Goa usually 3 times per season for relatively short trips.

They visited Goa for 2 weeks at the start of the charter flight season on 6 month multiple entry tourist visas. I've not seen their passports but I'm confident in saying that the passports were NOT stamped "no re-entry within 2 months" on exiting Goa. This new '2 month rule' wasn't really common knowledge at the time.

Within the last few days, the same friends have gone back to Goa (approximatley 25% short of two months since their last visit) for another relatively short term visit - I think it is safe to say that they have not been refused entry to Goa & have not been put on the next flight back to the UK. However, I have not yet spoken to them in Goa, but if & when I do, I will ask them if they had any issues with immigration at the point of re-entry.

I am sure these friends DO NOT know anything about the new '2 month rule' - nor would they have wanted to listen to me if I had tried to inform them because they 'see no problems in Goa' - so I kept my mouth shut & at present I'm glad I did because if I'd told them & they 'got in' without problems I would have been a 'loser who reads the internet' (not my words I hasten to add) 'scare mongering' again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H.

P.S. - I wish all B.E. members good health & happiness for 2010.