India upset with UK visa decision, talks likely soon

Tuesday 4 May 2010

India is upset with the British decision to suspend accepting the student visa applications in three north Indian centres as it affects the “bona fide” students. The issue is likely to be taken up with British High Commission, soon.

The UK had officially conveyed to India that it had resorted to the suspension of accepting visa applications after detecting education agents misusing the system for sending wrong candidates. They also complained that some students, who applied for visas, came from below par educational institutions.

“We feel that what we were given to understand is not enough reasons to take such steps that puts the bona fide, genuine students in trouble. The cooperation in the area of education is one of the most enduring aspects of the ties between the two nations,” a government official said on the conditions of anonymity.

The UK is the second most favourite destination for Indian students after the US.

The UK temporarily suspended accepting visa application from New Delhi, Jalandhar and Chandigarh, from February 1.