More trouble...
http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/may/17/more-changes-in-visa-rules-leave-indian-americans-fuming.htm
Many thought they could circumvent this rule by applying for a tourist visa to visit India, instead of an OCI card. But new rules for tourist visas state 'Persons of Indian Origin, his/her spouse and dependent children will be granted only an entry visa and should not apply for a tourist visa.'
To get an entry visa, one has to produce a surrender certificate by paying $175. For availing any consular service, the person of Indian origin needs the surrender certificate.
Lets organize a Gandhi style DANDI march or PP march to Indian consulate to oppose this rule. 
This is nothing short of harrassment and money grab.
Hiren
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 17-05-10 17:39:06
Some of the comments following the rediff article is quite entertaining.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dimple2001
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 17-05-10 17:41:51
Maybe, the article was meant for US audience; however, how come it appears only US citizens are affected? Anyway, if there is any credibility to this article, people like myself are currently way beyond the penalty free time of 3 months. Interesting.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dimple2001
Indian Consulate websites for Washington and Chicago have this info. No info on retroactive application. No such info on CGI Toronto. I think it will come soon.
Quote:
Originally posted by dimple2001
Maybe, the article was meant for US audience; however, how come it appears only US citizens are affected? Anyway, if there is any credibility to this article, people like myself are currently way beyond the penalty free time of 3 months. Interesting.
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 17-05-10 20:36:06
From the website of Indian consulate in Chicago...
"Indian citizens acquiring US (or other foreign) citizenship and renouncing Indian citizenship are required to surrender their Indian passports for cancellation and obtain a "Surrender Certificate" which is issued by the Consulate. They can obtain this Certificate after payment of fees of US$ 175/-, while surrendering their passports to the Consulate. These passports are cancelled and returned to the passport holder for the future reference"
So, the Indian passport will be returned to the holder - nothing different from past. Only that, now, there is a convenient money grab of $175 as they have managed to create another red tape.
I wonder when they will start catching up with the folks who already hold OCI, visa etc...Maybe the trap is waiting the next time they go for OCI sticker renewal or visa renewal or such. At that time, there is a possibility of them charging penalties for not surrendering the passport within 3 months.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dimple2001
well they better send a letter at home cuz not everyone uses computer and know about the changes they make...
Quote:
Originally posted by dimple2001
From the website of Indian consulate in Chicago...
"Indian citizens acquiring US (or other foreign) citizenship and renouncing Indian citizenship are required to surrender their Indian passports for cancellation and obtain a ".....
I think they are trying to extract money for renouncing Indian citizenship. When you acquire citizenship of another country, you are automatically terminated from Indian citizenship. I do not know how they can charge for renouncing Indian citizenship since India does not allow full fledged dual citizenship. You have to be citizen of two countries and you can give up one country's citizenship, which is not possible in India's case as OCI is not full fledged India's citizenship.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Give free food http://www.thehungersite.com ||
