New Delhi: To attract more tourists, the
government has decided to implement a Visa on Arrival Scheme
for the citizens of five countries, including Japan and
Singapore, soon.
"A Visa on Arrival Scheme will be implemented for
Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Luxembourg and Finland for one
year on experimental basis," Home Minister P Chidambaram said
today.
Addressing a meeting of the Consultative Committee of
the Ministry of Home Affairs today, he said the present number
of about five million visitors every year was too small and a
large country like India should have at least 50 million
visitors.
This will be possible through various measures including
streamlining of visa and immigration procedures and extending
them better service, he said.
The Home Minister said the Foreigners' Division of the
Home Ministry, which deals with visa issues, will be revamped
through the use of information and communication technology.
A project, estimated to cost about Rs 20 crore will be
implemented from January, 2010 for the purpose.
Chidambaram said the Visa Manual is being re-written and
the final draft is likely to be ready by January, 2010.
PTI
First Published: Friday, December 18, 2009, 20:26