London/New Delhi:
The United Kingdom (UK) today said that the final decision on the pilot scheme of seeking a Rs 2.75 lakh (3000 pound) cash bond from citizens of certain countries for a visa has not been taken yet. This is after India voiced strong protests over the proposed move.
According to the pilot scheme, citizens from at least six 'high risk' countries, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ghana, will have to give a cash bond of Rs 2.75 lakh for a six-month visa in the UK. The cash bond will be reportedly forfeited if they overstay in Britain.
"The government intends to run a pilot scheme for such bonds, tightly targeted at a small number of visa applicants assessed to pose a high risk of overstaying. But no decisions have been taken on the detail of how such a pilot scheme would work in practice. Any such scheme will be designed in a way that does not cut across the UK's wish to be open for business, students and tourists," Marcus Winsley, director of press and communications in the British High Commission said.
"Senior UK and Indian officials are scheduled to meet in London in late-July for a comprehensive dialogue on visa related issues. Financial bonds are expected to be on the agenda," he added.
Reiterating the promise made by British Prime Minister David Cameron during his last visit to India in February on relaxed visa regime, Mr Winsley said, "The British Prime Minister's message is loud and clear. The UK wants the brightest and the best to help create the jobs and growth that will enable Britain to compete in the global race.
"So, for example, if you are an overseas businessperson seeking to invest and trade with world class businesses, one of the thousands of legitimate students keen to study at our first-class universities or a tourist visiting our world class attractions, be in no doubt: Britain is open for business."
Expressing serious concerns over the Britain's decision to run such a pilot scheme, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma had strongly raised the issue in his meetings in London.