Strained India-Maldives ties affect visa rules, stricter formalities for Maldivians

 New Delhi: Reflecting recent strains with Maldives, India has tightened its visa regulations for the citizens of the island nation. Maldivian nationals now intending to stay in India for more than 90 days for medical, study or any other purpose have to obtain appropriate visa otherwise they may face deportation as there is no provision in India for extending the visit visa or converting to any other type.

In a notice, the Indian High Commission in Male also said, "due to technical reasons, the HCI will henceforth require one week's processing time to issue visas for travel to India. The applicants are advised to plan their travel and apply for visa well in time to avoid inconvenience. It is also informed to the general public that visa free travel facilities to India, available to Maldivian citizens, are valid for tourism purpose only. For any other purpose, people are advised to apply and obtain the appropriate visas before travelling to India."

The tightening comes at a time when the bilateral ties are at all-time low in the wake of anti-India protests in Maldives followed by termination of GMR airport project by the government there 'unilaterally'. Significantly, there have been many discrepancies between the visa issuance process of the two countries. While India grants all types of visas on gratis, Maldives charges fee on different type of visas and hefty fines in case of delay in renewal.

Raajjenews.com understand that Maldives Government has called Maldivian Travelling to India, other than as a tourist to obtain nevessary Visa prior to departure.,

Most Maldivians travel to India on medical grounds and for education purposes so 99 percent of the Maldivians travelling to India will need to take visa before departure.