Proposed UK visa bond to hit outbound tour operators
Updated: Jun 27, 2013 04:48:47pm
From Esther Suhasini
New Delhi, Jun 27 (KNN) UK government’s proposal to charge a hefty visa bond of 3000 pounds (Rs 2,70,000) from visitors of certain “high risk countries” such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ghana has evoked criticism among the large Indian community as the move will hit interests of not only tourists but also the small tour operators.
Tour operators in India are very concerned that the proposal would burden outbound tourists.
President for Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, Guldeep Singh Sahni clarified that the bond did not apply to all. “It is most likely for first timers and vulnerable cases,” he assured.
However, he is of the opinion that honeymooners will be affected the most, considering they are young, relatively new to their jobs and not having much liquid cash.
While he thinks it is alright for UK to do checks and ask for a written bond with all details of family, property, jobs, etc, he thinks it unfair to demand a cash bond.
“Those who want to settle in the UK illegally will find some way around the cash bond too. In that regard, the proposal will not hinder them in any way.”
Further, he is positive that it would impact tourism, especially those in the middle classes.
As far as small units are concerned, Secretary General of Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CIT), D K Nair does not think it will have much impact on the industry.
“From a business point of view, there may be no effect. The proposal is only intended for tourist visas and thereby it will not affect those going on business visa or for industry visits,” he said.
However, small scale tour operators of outbound tourism are bound to be affected.
James Arputharaj, a frequent flier to Europe says he would think twice before travelling to the UK in future.
“It would indicate that a family of four travelling to the UK for tourism purposes would have to have liquid cash of about Rs 12 lakhs. How many would have such kind of liquid cash available?” he asked.
Further, there would always be a lurking fear that the cash deposit may not be returned owing to some technical glitch.
Meanwhile, India has conveyed its displeasure to UK.
Commerce Minister Anand Sharma has lodged a strong protest against the cash bonds for Indians planning to visit UK post November, asking UK to clarify their stand, given the strategic India-UK partnership.
However, Britain's secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Vince Cable, assured that it was a pilot scheme that wasn't "the view of the British government." (ES/KNN)
New Delhi, Jun 27 (KNN) UK government’s proposal to charge a hefty visa bond of 3000 pounds (Rs 2,70,000) from visitors of certain “high risk countries” such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ghana has evoked criticism among the large Indian community as the move will hit interests of not only tourists but also the small tour operators.
Tour operators in India are very concerned that the proposal would burden outbound tourists.
President for Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, Guldeep Singh Sahni clarified that the bond did not apply to all. “It is most likely for first timers and vulnerable cases,” he assured.
However, he is of the opinion that honeymooners will be affected the most, considering they are young, relatively new to their jobs and not having much liquid cash.
While he thinks it is alright for UK to do checks and ask for a written bond with all details of family, property, jobs, etc, he thinks it unfair to demand a cash bond.
“Those who want to settle in the UK illegally will find some way around the cash bond too. In that regard, the proposal will not hinder them in any way.”
Further, he is positive that it would impact tourism, especially those in the middle classes.
As far as small units are concerned, Secretary General of Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CIT), D K Nair does not think it will have much impact on the industry.
“From a business point of view, there may be no effect. The proposal is only intended for tourist visas and thereby it will not affect those going on business visa or for industry visits,” he said.
However, small scale tour operators of outbound tourism are bound to be affected.
James Arputharaj, a frequent flier to Europe says he would think twice before travelling to the UK in future.
“It would indicate that a family of four travelling to the UK for tourism purposes would have to have liquid cash of about Rs 12 lakhs. How many would have such kind of liquid cash available?” he asked.
Further, there would always be a lurking fear that the cash deposit may not be returned owing to some technical glitch.
Meanwhile, India has conveyed its displeasure to UK.
Commerce Minister Anand Sharma has lodged a strong protest against the cash bonds for Indians planning to visit UK post November, asking UK to clarify their stand, given the strategic India-UK partnership.
However, Britain's secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Vince Cable, assured that it was a pilot scheme that wasn't "the view of the British government." (ES/KNN)
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