No decision on visa bond -- British Minister

No decision on visa bond -- British Minister
Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 1: Stung by the Indian government's sharp response to the proposed bond scheme for short-term visitors to the UK, visiting British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Keith Vaz on Tuesday sought to end the controversy saying no no decision has been taken in this regard.

New Delhi had on Monday reacted sharply to the British proposal of introducing later this year 10,000 pound bond for a small number of applicants who were unable to satisfy the visa-issuing officer that they intend to return to India at the end of their stay.

A foreign office spokesman had asserted that India reserves the right to take "reciprocal action" if such rules and guidelines were instituted.

"No decision has been made. There is no exclusivity," Vaz, who is here on a four-day visit to India, told a press conference and added that no decision had been taken on the bond amount, when the pilot scheme would start or the visa posts where it would be put into operation.

"It is absolute rubbishand nonsense to suggest that people have to provide a bond to get into the United Kingdom," he said adding people could apply for visa as they did earlier by paying the normal fees and get the visa possibly the same day. They were not not required to bring cash bonds or cheque books.