E-Paper
‘Team didn’t provide required documents’
The Australian High Commission said on Saturday that it had refused the Indian lawn bowls team visas to train in Sydney because they had not provided the required documentation "despite many requests".
The Australian High Commission said on Saturday that it had refused the Indian lawn bowls team visas to train in Sydney because they had not provided the required documentation "despite many requests".
Reacting to HT's report on June 12, "Now, Australia denies Indian team visa", a statement issued by the High Commission said, "These documents were only tendered after the visas were refused. After our positive discussion with the Ministry of Sport, we contacted the team manager on Friday and invited him to lodge applications on Monday.
We noted that visa fees would have to be paid as previous applications had been assessed and finalised. It is a legal requirement that visa fees are paid in order for an application to be valid. The High Commission has no authority to waive fees.
"The Australian High Commission stands ready, as it had conveyed to the lawn bowls team on Friday, to accept fresh applications from the team on Monday."
HT had reported that the High Commission considered the players "flight risks" as they did not have bank statements or employment certificates and that they could abscond once they reached Australia.
