VISA bond scheme: Legitimate travellers need not worry, says United Kingdom

BANGALORE: Noting that Britain's new controversial 3,000 pounds VISA bond scheme is proposed for visitors from certain "high risk" countries, including India, a senior British diplomat today said legitimate travellers need not worry.

"Policy has not yet been announced, it is under design; .....what we do know is- it is targeted at highest risk group, which is same that any country does, every country has its VISA policy and has right to protect its borders," Deputy High Commissioner British Deputy High Commission Ian Felton told reporters on the sidelines of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event here.

"....legitimate business people, students and tourist don't have anything to worry about, policy is not directed at them; clearly the policy is directed at highest risk group. We will have to wait and see before we comment in detail as it hasn't been issued yet," he added.

Asked about from when the new policy will be effective, he said "I have no information about the time frame."

Recalling that British Prime Minister was keen on attracting high skilled and talented Indians to UK for business and studies during his last visit, he said "that policy is going to continue."

"We have fantastic relationship with India, we want to continue that; we are extending our network, have our new offices in last couple of years at Hyderabad and Chandigarh," Felton added.

Stating that UK is still open and welcoming, Felton said "very high rate of VISA's are being issued, 97 per cent of business VISA's have been issued, which is extraordinarily high, this include mostly people from intra-company transfers; .....but country also needs to address about those who should not be coming to the country and this is same for India."