India to seek clarity on UK controversial visa bonds

The Indian High Commission in London will seek official information about UK’s controversial visa scheme which may affect Indian nationals, official sources said here on Tuesday.

The Indian High Commission in London will seek official information about UK’s controversial visa scheme which may affect Indian nationals, official sources said here on Tuesday.

HT Image

“Should it be required, we will discuss this at the India-UK consular discussions which are expected to be held next month,” they said. The UK Home Office has announced a pilot scheme under which select visitors from six high-risk Afro-Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria, will be required to furnish a £ 3,000 bond for a six-month visit visa, which they will forfeit if they overstay in Britain.

“I agree that this would be a deterrent factor. But I hope that it is only a temporary deterrent. We will make all diplomatic efforts to ensure that there is no hindrance to student mobility,” HRD minister MM Pallam Raju.

UK’s senior politicians across party lines and the Indian Industry have called the scheme, “unfair and discriminatory”.