Indo-Americans Say Indian Visa Hassles Is Deplorable And Scandalous

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“Unfortunately, the atmosphere has deteriorated so badly that travellersoften cannot travel on due dates of travel, due to documentsbeing lost or misplaced and most of the time no timely response isreceived from them,” the INOC-U.S. said in its memorandum. “Thereare widespread rumours that no work gets done unless a bribe is paid.In a situation like this, you can appreciate that there is no need towait until a scandal breaks out,” the memorandum alleged

WASHINGTON – The IndianNational Overseas Congress(INOC) has complained to theIndian government about thefunctioning of the visa processingservice provider at its diplomaticmissions in the U.S. andsought immediate interventionof External Affairs Minister inresolving the issue.An INOC delegation recentlymet Ministers of State forExternal Affairs E Ahamed andPreneet Kaur in New Delhi tosubmit a memorandum.In a statement, the INOCalleged that the Indian communityand other travellers in theU.S., particularly in New York,are facing tremendous hardshipdue to the grossly inefficient anddeplorable service relating toissuance and renewal of passportsand visas for travel toIndia. “Unfortunately, theatmosphere has deteriorated sobadly that travellers often cannottravel on due dates of travel,due to documents being lost ormisplaced and most of the timeno timely response is receivedfrom them,” the INOC-U.S. saidin its memorandum. “Chronicdelays are the order of the dayand the whole operation is sodisorganised and in disarray thatonly some people seem toreceive satisfactory services.There are widespread rumoursthat no work gets done unless abribe is paid. In a situation likethis, you can appreciate thatthere is no need to wait until ascandal breaks out,” the memorandumalleged. “We have beencandid to the ministers of thedamage the agency has done tothe reputation and credibility ofIndia,” said George Abraham,chairman of the INOC U.S.