Tougher visa rules for India

Expats in India are facing confusion after rule changes to the visa system, brought about by revelations that an American man may have been behind the attacks on Mumbai last year.

In November the new visa rules were introduced without any forewarning and applied immediately, throwing travel and business plans for Britons into disarray. The changes apparently relate to US citizen David Headley, originally from Pakistan, who was arrested in Chicago last month on charges relating to the Mumbai incidents.

Prior to the new changes long term expats, many of whom were staying on five or even ten year visas, would leave India once every 180 days as per law. This meant that most would fly to a nearby country, usually Nepal, for a quick visit before returning.

Now the regulations require that regular visitors to India must have at least two months between visits.

The move has prompted a quick response from both the US Embassy and the British High Commission who have pleaded with Indian immigration officials to reconsider, saying that huge numbers of expats could be affected by what is allegedly an already inconsistent policing of the changes. The US claims several of its citizens have been denied re-entry in recent weeks.

However, the Indian government is determined to pursue the new course claiming that this makes India more consistent with international policy and that it too, like the UK and US, is seeking to minimise visa abuse.

Last year around 700,000 Britons visited India.