Over 2,100 get visa daily

Says Indian high commission

29 September 2011, 18:00 PM

Diplomatic Correspondent

The Indian high commissions in the country issue more than 0.5 million visas to Bangladeshis and other nationals residing in Bangladesh to visit India for various purposes every year. The High Commission of India (HCI) in Dhaka currently issues over 2,100 visas per day, surpassing its earlier record, said a press release of the high commission yesterday. Visas are usually issued within 24-48 hours of receipt of the application, while urgent medical visa is issued on the same day, the release said. Tourist visas account for nearly 80% of the total visas issued while medical and business visas account for around 12 % and 2% respectively, it said. As part of the Indian government's initiative to streamline the visa process, online visa process was introduced last year at HCI in Dhaka and at Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Chittagong in July and at AHCI in Rajshahi in September. This process has enabled the applicants to submit their visa applications in a congenial atmosphere and to choose a time of their preference to deposit the forms and documents. Besides, the HCI introduced online visa tracking system that enables the applicant to check the status of his/her visa application process. No visa fee is charged from Bangladeshi nationals under the reciprocal arrangement between India and Bangladesh. Special arrangements have been made to process visa applications from applicants going to India for emergency medical treatment, conferences and personal emergency on fast track.