After reports of British citizens finding it difficult to secure visa appointments with fully booked slots at some of the centres until mid-November, the Indian High Commission in the UK has decided to open a new visa processing facility in central London. The Commission is also initiating measures to facilitate group tours from November 1. Read on to know the whole story of how India is setting up a new visa processing facility in central London!
The Indian High Commission In The UK Opens New Visa Processing Facility In Central London
The Indian High Commission in the UK is now opening a new visa processing facility in central London. The Commission is also initiating measures to facilitate group tours from November 1. This visa processing facility aims to increase access. People travelling to the same destination on the same flight can avail of a new process for visa.
The cherry on the cake is the option of visa at doorstep service for a fee for tourists. Taking about the same, High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami reveals through a video message Friday, “The number of appointments we have been able to do has increased greatly to about 40,000 per month thanks to our partners at VFS.”
He added that a visa processing facility is being set up in central London to increase access, and a new process is being introduced for those travelling together to the same destination on the same flight. Tourists will also have the option of a visa at doorstep service for a fee.
Also read: An Indo-Korean Couple Is Living Almost 5,000 Km Away From Each Other Because Of Visa Issues
Why Are The Steps?
The steps for the new visa processing facility in central London are taken keeping in mind the complaints of visa delays. This has also led to trip cancellations. Local media reports revealed that British citizens had difficulty securing visa appointments with fully booked slots at some of the centres until mid-November. Complaints were also there regarding changes in rules which require the applicants to remain present in person at a visa application centre and not use the services of an agent. The High Commission, however, denied changing any rules.
In October, the Indian Association of Tour Operators had written to PM Modi seeking the restoration of e-visa facilities for British and Canadian citizens. “Due to the non-availability of e-tourist visas for UK, Canada and other source markets we are losing huge business as tourists from these countries are opting for alternative destinations.”
Well, we hope the new Visa Processing Centre in the UK helps solve the visa concerns of British Citizens.
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