U.S., U.K Angry at New Visa Rules Introduced by India

New visa rules introduced by India following the arrest of David Headley, the Pakistani-American said to have been involved in the attacks on Mumbai in November 2008, have been criticized by the U.S. and U.K authorities.

Nationals from 14 countries able to obtain long-term visas for India, long-term being five or ten years, were previously required to leave the country for a brief period every 180 days. AFP explains that often individuals affected by the 180-day rule would make a short visit to one of India's neighbors, such as Nepal, before returning to the country where they had previously been based. However the arrest of David Headley, the 49-year-old Chicago man ANI reports has been accused by the FBI of helping to plan the attacks last year on the commercial capital of India, has led the Indian authorities to review its visa arrangements following the revelation that he had visited the Asian country on nine occasions. Using a multiple entry business visa he allegedly entered India for the purpose of identifying possible targets for a terror attack. Therefore with effect from November 4, when leaving as required after 180 days in India, those holding long-term visas must now wait two months before returning to the country. In view of Mr Headley's use of a business visa those types of visas will also be subject to tighter controls but it is the revision to the long-term visas that is causing the greatest anger in the U.S. and the U.K. According to the Telegraph the British High Commission in the Indian capital New Delhi has lodged objections to the new regulations, stating:

We have discussed this matter with the government of India. We understand the Indian government is reconsidering its plans

AFP quotes Kitty Tawakley of the Commission as saying:

There is no real clarity over the details of the proposals or how they might be implemented

Responding on behalf of the Indian Foreign Ministry a senior, unnamed, official observed with regard to the new regulations that began on November 4:

We have changed the rules to prevent the misuse of the long-term tourist visa

The official added that a majority of countries observe a two-month gap similar to that India has now introduced. Meanwhile the U.S. Embassy in India actually posted details on its website of tourists who left India for a brief period and found themselves unable to reenter the country due to the new regulations. Commenting on the revised rules the Embassy said:

These new visa and registration regulations are being implemented inconsistently and are not finalized

India, the world's second-most populous country with over one billion people living within its borders, is reportedly the destination for five million tourists each year and receives some 700,000-750,000 visitors from the U.K. alone on an annual basis. A majority of those tourists/visitors will not be affected as short-term visa rules are unchanged and just 100,000 people apply for long-term visas for India during the course of a year.