The US and British embassies in New Delhi were in a tizzy over the confusion surrounding new regulations on long-term tourist visas. US embassy officials held a series of meetings with officials of the home and external affairs ministries, seeking clarifications. British High Commissioner Richard Stagg, in fact, wrote a letter to the MEA and followed it up with telephone calls to officials in South Block.
On its part, the US embassy posted a warden message citing specific instances of inconsistency in the way the new rules were implemented. The message cites several examples of the harrowing experience of some American visitors in the wake of the recent visa changes.
“One American family, visiting India for several weeks on 10-year, multiple entry tourist visas, had to return briefly to the US to attend a funeral. They were not permitted to re-enter India,” the message read.
Two days later, the warden message was replaced by a more factual account of visa regulations entitled “Travel alert.” Tales of woe and subtle persuasion seem to have worked, with the home ministry softening guidelines for bona fide visitors who wish to re-enter India after visiting a neighbouring country.
