Students, tourists, businessmen need not furnish bond, says British diplomat.
The United Kingdom’s decision to introduce financial bonds for visitors from six countries, including India, is only for “high-risk individuals, and not for legitimate students, businessmen and tourists,” said British deputy high commissioner, Ian Felton.
At the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Innovation Summit, held in city on Wednesday, he said that the policy, which is yet to be announced, will only target individuals who are likely to overstay or indulge in something they should not be doing. He said legitimate businessmen, tourists and students need not worry.
As per the policy, visitors from India, Nigeria, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh have to furnish 3,000 pounds as bond for a six-month visit visa. Visitors from these countries will have to pay this refundable amount for visitor visas, which allow them to stay in the UK for up to six months.
Britain plans to introduce this policy from November as a pilot scheme, despite international backlash and complaints from businesses.
Felton said British prime minister David Cameron wants Indian students, tourists and businesses to continue visiting the UK.
“About 97% of the business visa applications and over 80-88% of student visa applications from India are approved. These are very high numbers.”
Stressing that the UK is interested in partnering Indian businesses and research bodies, Felton said: “Britain is very open towards collaboration and partnerships with Indian businesses and trade.”
A British oncology delegation consisting of doctors and researchers is expected to visit Bangalore next month to partake in research and development related activities pertaining to cancer.
Felton said the life sciences and healthcare fields are key for the UK, and Bangalore offers a whole lot of scope for collaborations.
“British companies like AstraZeneca and GSK are engaged in pharmaceuticals here. The delegation will interact with Indian companies and researchers next month, and see which areas they can partner on.”
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