a_f_d

I accept that where things Indian are concerned most things are possible and nothing is certain, but the published requirements for getting a long-term (i.e. 5 year) 'X' visa from the UK appear identical to those for a PIO card (also there was a big fuss in the USA a year or so back when PIO's were refused 10-year T visas and told to get the more expensive X visa or PIO card or OCI). I certainly accept that some people have trouble getting PIO/OCI if they can't produce an old passport** - there have been several reports that these difficulties are more likely to occur for people who don't 'look' Indian or those producing ancestral documents relating to 'British India'. However I would have expected these people to have the same problems getting a 5-yr 'X' - and, in Goa at least, be unable to Register property in their name.
I have no personal knowledge because I don't qualify for PIO, having no Indian ancestry that I know of.

** patently ridiculous since the rules allow you to go back three generations - to a time when very very few Indians would have had a passport (and when nearly all official documents would relate to 'British India').

AndyD 8-)#

Bipat

Agree that the list of required documents now is the same for both. Could it be that originally the requirements for visa were less strict and that they accepted other documents ? and used discretion. I can't remember.

If a 5 year had ever been issued then to renew presumably would not be so difficult except in (2010), when I was refused.

(As to looks I don't think OH has ever been for his own visa, usual male excuse, "you are better at these things dear".
In 2010 I was told re my own renewal "even if he looks Indian, doesn't mean he is Indian" although she laughed. In 2011 back to normal.)

leegrand

going to nepal, bali, for two months out. what of two, is best for visa, and how long will I get. thank you.

msj5

May be worth reading thro` this re Bali, I know Malayasia HCI only give to residents and Nationals.

http://indianembassyjakarta.com/consular_visa.html

Re Bali...you do know you can only get a visa for 30 days!!

leegrand

Thanks for that...where can I go apart from uk to get 6 months visa.
anywhere. thank you.

msj5

I`m off to Sri Lanka but don`t need to get a visa fortunately but there they are now issuing 6 month visa or your highly likely to get a 6 month in Thailand as a one off....but dont try and get 6 months there after that.

leegrand

thanks for the info. if you leave goa for anywhere, you have to stay out for two months, or, has it changed.

IndianFriend

Hello Andy

Yes thats true, but its not just the proof of old passports that is necessary, its also possible to submit some other 'proof' of their (i.e. ancestors') birth and/or residence anywhere in (erstwhile, pre-1947, undivided) India.

These links may be useful :

http://www.immihelp.com/nri/overseas...an-origin.html for eligibility

http://www.immihelp.com/nri/overseascitizenshipindia/ overview of rules

For visa, and other info of foreigners' registration etc. check the Ministry of Home Affairs links http://www.mha.nic.in/home.asp and http://passport.gov.in/vfc/frro_rpt.html

A word of caution... since everything can be done online, best not to avail services of dubious agents/middlemen. And if anyone still needs some assistance, can approach a reliable established firm of legal consultants. Their charges may be a bit higher but things will be done in a proper way, above board.

The regulars here on BE forum may already have this info but I do hope this helps new members.

Cheers

msj5

Two months out is still in place but Prime Minister of India has stated (22 Jan) that a solution to the 2 months would be found in the next ONE month...so hopeful!!

a_f_d

N.B. (Also reported in today's ToI).

Visa Facilitation center of the Foreigners Division has shifted from Jaiselmer House to NDCC-II Building, JAI SINGH Road, OFF Parliament Street, Near Jantar Mantar, NEW DELHI - 110001, with effective from 04/04/2012.

Check here..

<Moderators - maybe this should be a Sticky?>

AndyD 8-)#

a_f_d

We flew out on Tuesday, scheduled flight out of Dabolim.
Immigration immediately spotted the RP stamp next to our visas and asked for the Residence Permits - I said we might be coming back, they replied that unless we were definitely coming back within two months we must surrender rhe RP's but they told us to make a note of the RP number and if we did return on the same visa to quote it to the FRO at Panjim.
We did have exit stamps but I couldn't see whether they checked for them.

AndyD 8-)#

msj5

Pleased to say i have just picked up a 6 month X visa. I tried applying for a year but VFS would only let me apply for 6 months , but i`m not complaining.

Chameleons

Wow! Fantastic! Perhaps they will let you go for a year next time.

Congratulations. When do you get back?

iain492001

WELL DONE. Jill. Could be the visa rules & regs are relaxing just a little?

Rgds
Iain

dreadsoc

Good news msj5 - pleased for you

Dread - x