Dear Mr Massood,
From following posting:
http://canadiandesi.ca/read.php?TID=4635
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All those who are in the process of immigration, please note, that I was asked to produce Police clearance certificate taken out in last 7 days at Mumbai airport by immigration authorities. I had one which was 2 months old. I had to pay Canadian $50 to get through since they suggested that I miss the flight. Even though I told them that according to the police station the certificate is valid for 6 months, they did not consider.
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Does this look like a requirement or some one made money?
Ranin
Sounds like a scam to me.
Why in the world would the Indian immigration authorities care about your PCC if you're migrating to Canada? And that too one taken in the last 7 days?
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Are you there?
Fact is, i had to pay $50.
maybe they just want to make sure that I am not running away after committing some crime. There have been instances in the last 1 yr. of people especially in BPO field of people running away after duping people.
Also, PCC is required from the city where you stay & produce it at the airport immigration check from where one leaves India, be it Mumbai, Delhi, etc.
Just like Canadian High Commission asks for PCC, these people also might be asking for it.
Thanks.
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Let's make India a better place !
So how did paying $50 help? Would that absolve you of a crime you've committed in the last 7 days in India?
I know how difficult (or impossible) it is to argue with immigration officers in India, I don't blame you at all for paying up. I probably would've done the same thing to avoid hassles. They probably prey on that very same vulnerability.
In my opinion though, the Indian authorities have no business asking PCC when you're leaving India for Canada, sounds hogey to me. Let's wait for Massood's response.
Btw : Did they make you fill out any form for the $50? Was it paid in cash? Did you get any receipt?
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Are you there?
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posted on: 24-08-04 19:47:58
That's all a load of hogus-bogus claim to me. I'll tell you short story. It happened to me in July at New Delhi airport.
I was due to fly from Delhi to Dhaka & then after a few days, from Dhaka to Mumbai.
My ticket was booked for business class. While checking in I was told that the seat was economy. I expressed my surprise and was told that the gate will sort it out. At the gate I was told I have to pay extra. [It was a big extra] and they wouldn't be able to accept credit card. I paid cash. They told me they didn't have a receipt at the gate and that in case I needed it, the airline would issue me one. The guy at the gate, scribbled something on my ticket as proof of payment. I couldn't care less at that point . I just wanted my seat.
In Dhaka, while confirming my return to Mumbai, I was told that they had cancelled my return since they had no evidence that I had flown to Dhaka.
I had to run through hoops to get back my seat that i HAD ALREADY PAID. I laugh about it now, but I was furious at the time.
The lesson? Never give money to anyone who asks you at the last minute. They are very skillful at preying on such vulnerable passengers.
I'm sorry, this has nothing to do with this section, but I had to let it out.
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Massood Joomratty, LLB(Hons), LLM
http://www.passportcanada.com" target="_blank">Your Canadian Immigration Lawyer
http://www.joomratty.com" rel="nofollow">LINK
+1-604-590-0607
Dear All,
Well, the concerns of Blue Lobster and Massoodji are quite valid.
I feel too bad for the tough time faced by Massoodji during his recent visit to the subcontinent.
In the meanwhile, the ordeal faced by Mr Rajan Desai at Mumbai Airport is definitely a matter of great concern for all future immigrants flying out from there. He has done a great favour by putting the same across amongst Canadian Desis in this forum. Credit also goes to Ranin for creating a separate thread on this Topic which will ensure that most of the visitors have a look at the same.
I just wish that this scam is exposed at the earliest in Mumbai and does not reaches other cities like Delhi. If it happens then definitely its going to be great mess for new immigrants.
The reason being getting an PCC issued and that too just 7 days prior to your departure is a herculean task in many Indian cities/states. It is practically difficult as during those last few days one is involved and occupied with so many other activities.
This seems to be nothing but a money making exercise.
Some of the questions which further need to be answered by Rajan are :
* Was Rajan asked for money in Dollars or did he converted himself ?
* Did any negotiation took place ?
* What about his fellow passengers / Did they suffer too ?
The vey fact that the authorities charged 50 $ and let Mr Desai continue with his immigration process shows the loopholes in the system. Had it really been a Govt regulation, he wouldnt have been allowed to board the plane come what may.
Now let us work on how prospective immigrants can be suitably warned about this new scam.
As far as CanadianDesi is concerned, I am sure Garvo Bhai/Blue Lobster will highlight this development on the HOME PAGE and CHARCHA PAGE and ensure that it remains there for a considerable time. Perhaps I suggest we should start some column like "TRAVEL ADVISORIES" which can take care of such scams. Our fellow members can be motivated to share their pleasant as well as horrible immigration check /travel experiences.
We also need to tell all our members based in Mumbai to monitor this trend and highlight on the forum of CanadianDesi.
Together we can save our fellow country men from this Loot and unnecessary botheration, harassment during the tense hours at Airport.
We cannot simply allow those beggars at the Airport to take advantage of our vulnerabilty.
I am sure fellow CDs will come to the rescue. Let us take it as a challenge and prove our worth.
Regards.
Manan
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Manan
I had to pay CAD 150 at the Delhi airport 4 years ago before boarding the plane. This goes on unchecked whereever you go in India and this is one of the reasons Indians immigrate to Canada/ USA !
A fellow passenger was told to either bring a letter form the CHC that his visa was valid or pay CAD 100; he did't pay and missed the flight!! LESSON : WHEN IN A S#$T PLACE LIKE MY MOTHERLAND ,DO AS THEY TELL YOU OTHERWISE YOU WILL MISS THE FLIGHT.
N.B. A few years ago a couple from USA lost their daughter at the Delhi Airport as the escalator suddenly jammed leading to a stampede and run over.Believe me ,as I read in India Today later on ,everything went on smoothly except handling this emergency as the baby gasped for abreath.They asked : Is it humanity ??
