(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) India has just announced visa on arrival for Australians and Fijians visiting the country.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines when he announced visa on arrival for Australians visiting India. His next announcement went on to declare Fijians would receive the same facility when entering India.
Girish Jagasia
While growth of business and economics has been cited as the reason for these moves Indian expats in the UAE say the move should be reciprocated by the respective countries too.
'It should definitely be reciprocal. Australia should give Indians the same facility too. I still think it is a very good move by the government; for the growth of business and the country we have to welcome intelligence from across the world” said Girish Jagasia a loan officer with a local bank.
Lynne Pereira
Similarly Lynne Pereira an HR and administration executive in Dubai said: 'If Australians can come to India without applyingfor a visa in advance; Indians should get the same privilege. From the point of tourism it will be a good move but I doubt it will ever happen.'
Not all Indians believe in this reciprocity stating there are more benefits to the facility.
Ashish Mehta
Ashish Mehta Lawyer Ashish Mehta & Associates says: “India must do away with this practice of the past century and have a broader vision on issuance of visa on arrival at Indian airports by taking the initiative of extending this facility to persons holding passport of other countries even though such countries do not currently extend visa on arrival to Indian in their respective country(s). Should India take this initiative other countries are most likely to reciprocate the Indian initiative.”
Does India need to follow a tit for tat practice He adds: “Certainly not India lays emphasis on trade development growth and good governance - the commercial benefits to India by issuing visa on arrival will be far more even though if some countries do not reciprocate its initiative.”
This initiative of visa on arrival for Australian and Fijians will boost incoming visitors trade and business growth and development.
Kulwant Singh
Furthermore Kulwant Singh Managing Director Lama Tours says: “In efforts to building a new and successful India stronger foreign relations have to be forged. In my opinion there are a lot of political and economic intricacies involved in deciding which counties can be extended visa upon arrival. Issues such as economic and trade collaboration in defense counter-terrorism and maritime security are all important issues to consider in any bilateral visa agreements.”
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