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Are Indian Visas routinely denied to ex-Pakistanis?

On Friday November 2, 2007 two directors of the International Goan Organization (IGO) of Ontario, Cellie Gonsalves and Al Mathias met the Consul-General of India (CGI), Mr. Satish C. Mehta.

Mr. Mehta was updated on the various accomplishments of the IGO including Academic Conferences, Indo-Canadian Enterprise Exchange Program, Health Services Project and the current Best of Both Worlds project. He was very impressed.

Mr. Mehta stated proudly that approximately 30,000 people participated in India Day celebrations in Toronto this year. He attended VIVA GOA having been invited by the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) Toronto this year and suggested that we leverage the huge attendance at Viva Goa held by the Goan Overseas Association, GOA, Toronto each year by inviting Investment Companies and Realtors from Goa/India to showcase their products and services at Viva Goa.

"The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India has introduced Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) to study in Higher and Technical Institutions in India", advised Mr. Mehta, "assistance on Merit basis, is provided to the children of Diaspora [Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)] for the academic year 2007-2008". Mr. Mehta requested the IGO to publicize this program and welcomed applications.

Detailed discussion ensued on the Best of Both Worlds Project and actions taken to date to resolve the issues and problems in Goa faced by Non-resident Indians including Land & Property Disputes, Property Management, Buying, Selling, Leasing Real Estate, Estate & Taxation, Investing in India, Visa discrimination against ex-Pakistani citizens, Grievances of Non Resident Goans and Information Center.

"The criteria to get an Indian visa is clear and is stated on our website," declared Mr. Mehta. He advised us that there are two categories:

1. Canadian citizens with Pakistani Passports - applicants have to be referred to India to obtain clearance - there is no commitment from the Indian Consulate regarding the time required to obtain clearance and the subsequent visa.
   
2. Canadian citizens who have surrendered their Pakistani Passport - applicants require completing an Affidavit indicating that they have surrendered their Pakistani Passport - in this case visas can be obtained within one month.
   

"Give me examples of visas being routinely denied," stated Mr. Mehta.

In response to the Consul-General's request, we would like to invite all those who previously held Pakistani Passports to advise us in detail of the specific problems they encountered relating to getting visas to visit India. Please include the circumstances of the problems, where, how and when they were resolved, and if resolved satisfactorily. Please provide your Name, Canadian Passport Numbers, date of application, date and receipt number for the Fee, date the notarized affidavit was submitted, date visa received or denied or still waiting for response and any other relevant details. Please provide details of your case quickly via email to almathias@rogers.com so that we can hopefully resolve/expedite issuance of Indian visas.