New Delhi: The Tourism Ministry Monday insisted the new visa rules would not affect inflow of
visitors and dismissed as a "joke" the apprehension of
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor that
India would become a less welcoming destination.
Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed argued the
new rules are aimed at those having long-term multi-entry
visas while tourists undertake visits for short durations.
"Tourists always come here on a short visit. This (new
visa regime) will not affect their arrivals," he said while
reacting to Tharoor's view that tightening of visa rules would
affect inflow of tourists.
In his tweet, Tharoor had wondered whether by tightening
of the visa norms, India would allow terrorists to make it a
"less welcoming" destination.
"If the MEA has done it, then it must have taken into
account all factors, including safety and security of the
country," Ahmed said.
Making light of Tharoor's tweet on visa rule changes,
Ahmed dismissed it as a "joke" and said "his tweeting should
not be taken seriously."
Under the new rules announced in the backdrop of the
arrest of American terror suspect David Headley on the charge
of plotting attacks in India, any foreign national holding
long-term multiple entry visas will have to take a two-month
break before re-entering India.
However, this was amended later with the government
saying exception would be made for bona fide travellers if
they submit itinerary details.
PTI
First Published: Monday, December 28, 2009, 19:24