26th October 2022

Dear Sir

Re:  Plea to reinstate eVISA service to India

We are writing this to you on behalf of the NRI community in the United Kingdom regarding the eVISA service to India.

As you are aware, it has become particularly challenging for NRIs to visit India by applying for a visa online because eVISA service to India has been suspended as a result of the COVID pandemic. The emergency visa application procedure is taking longer than usual this time, which causes another delay. People who work full-time find it challenging to visit "Visa Facilitation Services Global" (VFS Global) locations and file an application, which takes a day or two. If more documents are required to support the application, it can take longer.

E-visa would also reduce the likelihood that a potential traveller to India will fall victim to spurious businesses that pose as legitimate Indian visa agents.

We now know that over 156 countries' nationals are eligible to apply for an evisa to India. Only a small number of nations, including the UK, are excluded, which seems unfair given the sizable Indian diaspora in the UK.

In order to assist with NRI applications for an eVISA, the NRI community is pleading with the Indian High Commissioner to immediately resume the eVISA service to India.

Yours sincerely