I know that Remy, in fact I was one of the first to report a problem with rule changes in August when I was refused a 5 year entry although husband got his without problem in January. The staff were pleasant and said that they were surprised at the rule changes and pointed out if they put through my original application I would lose my money. Hope we now have the requisite docs. for next time.
This family with a 1 month visa are different, I would think their circumstances strange.

I didn't have the situation of TA's Chillyandmike in mind - I was thinking more of the hassle Remy has had in comparison with my own personal straightforward experience. I would be very interested to know what feedback Kuoni receive about the overall level of customer service that VFS global provide.

As stated by J5, VFS don't appear to be any sort of equal opportunities employer from the staff I've witnessed at the one office I visited. On both occasions I have submitted applications in person VFS told me the 1st time that HCI would require additional documentation from me - they didn't! On the 2nd occasion VFS told me I would not get the visa that I was applying for - I did! So yes VFS staff despite saying they have no involvement in the visa decision seem quite quick to put obstructions in the way of applications.

Regards

H.

Well if your right and the changes are being implemented and enforced by London HCI and nothing to do with over zealous VFS staff and mis-interpretation of rules by VFS staff then these 'new rules' are only being applied in Britain which in itself raises big questions!!!

When we used to apply directly to London HCI via post we never had a problem and never had to produce solicitors letters, court orders etc to obtain visas which raises my suspicions about the VFS out sourcing agency also as i have previously stated the HCI Dublin is as straight forward as its always been (the way London HCI used to be) . Why then are these 'new rules' and enforcements not universal? Very very suspicious me thinks!!!

So are you saying you gave up on your 5year X visa on the say so of the obnoxious jobs-worths at VFS because they gave you the "lose your money" spiel?
Oh Dear!
Like Hemmingway, I got exactly the same routine from these *rseholes and yes, just like him I persisted and got the visas I wanted. They are simply a processing operation and have no remit to carry on the way they are, in fact they are behaving just like "public servants" do in Goa, but without the bribe scenario......


.

No I haven't given up, as the new rules actually do state that a PIO or spouse need a copy of original Indian passport or Affidavit re origins. They didn't need these before. We did not have the former but now do have the latter. (Another story re the day in court, with 7 clerks + judge to be paid etc. etc.)
So I will try again next August ( unless there are yet more new rules.)

A friend wanted to apply for a "longer term" visa in a category that the MHA website said a "long term" visa could be issued for - the VFS website gave a price for visas up to 1 year & visas for more than 1 year in this category, so the price for more than 1 year was paid by credit card (important) but VFS were having none of it & ended up grudgingly accepting the application for a longer period than they wanted to, but not for the period my friend wanted to apply for!

Separately, when I was at the VFS office, I was surprised to see what a cozy relationship that the VFS staff appeared to enjoy with several guys who were so obviously visa agents - it really did make me wonder if it was a case of not what you knew but who you knew. . . . . . . . . . .

Regards

H.

And I always thought that Indians were so family-oriented!!! Seems to be the exact opposite once they've lived in UK's chilly climate for a while.

This whole situation is getting too bizarre for words, and I feel so sorry for anyone caught up in this fiasco.

"Incredible India"!! - whoever thought up that slogan has certainly given the pen-pushers food for thought.

Picked this up from a Google Alert - same problems happening in Houston USA - so, we are not alone. Is there a conspiracy to thwart visitors to Incredible India?

Well Laid Plans, Challenges & Travel to India — My Cultivated Life
By Angela
I did that! Use a visa broker, maybe? They still seem kind of shady to me. Expect the unexpected, definitely. So, now I wait and create a contingency plan for both the business project and the timing for travel to India… ...
My Cultivated Life - http://www.mycultivatedlife.com/

iain I don't understand your reply to my post?? I don't know who you think is Indian, I got the impression that the family were British, I am British white, (always have to add this!). I would have thought that leaving 80 year olds to fend for themelves in this situation was not very family-orientated. If this is what you meant I agree with you.

Sorry, Bipat - wires crossed. I meant that I have always found Indians to be so family-oriented, and can't get my head round why at VFS or HCI they should put so many obstacles in the way of family members of different generations wishing to obtain visas in order to travel together.

[/QUOTE]

Being Non Techno Noni I
Just called into Subhash (PoonamDigital) he said he would certainly do the new visa photo's for us.

What tickled me was the address on his card -
Shop 11 unique arcade camotim waddo, candolim, goa near football ground

in Noni language next door the Snow White Laundry.

In March we will get ours done, and I suppose ordinary passport size for passports etc. - much cheaper than at home.

OK, fourth un-annouced change in about a week, but surprised we were not told, as IndiaMike was?

On IndiaMike, Andy was told it was not tucked away, heres the link, judge for yourself....

http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/pdf/General_Notice1.pdf


.

If you click on your link and open the main website. Application process --step 2
It gives instructions how to complete the form. Instruction re. a declaration is the last point. I noticed it on Wednesday when checking, during the discussion on that day about website problems, photos etc. If you were actually filling in a form you would find it. (The exclusion of all liabilities, doesn't really comply with our laws - but I think we knew that already!!)

Sorry - I got my links crossed - the Declaration is here

AndyD 8-)#

Will you post the url for the India Mike thread here, it is so important to all our members! and also ask the person with all the knowledge to please post on our visa thread. Thanks.