The government is considering the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) proposal to introduce visa-on arrival for foreign nationals from Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) regions such as Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. It may also soon allow multiple-entry long-term visas for five to ten years for ASEAN countries. Introduction of the Visa-on-Arrival facility for selected 18 countries such as UK, US, Germany, France and Japan, is also under consideration by the government. According to today’s report in Economic Times, the aim is moved at boosting the tourism sector which has seen a major drop in tourist arrivals due to the global financial crisis and the recent terror attacks in Mumbai.
“The government does not have any major disagreement over allowing long-term visas to ASEAN countries. It is, however, apprehensive on granting visa-on-arrival due to security concerns,” stated MoT official. He further informed that MoT’s proposal to grant visa-on-arrival to 18 countries has been long pending with the government. Citing security concerns and lack of infrastructure, government has been deferring the proposal. |