New Delhi:
In a contradiction to the Home Ministry's recent move to toughen long term tourist visas, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has expressed concerns over the move.
In his recent tweets, Tharoor said: "Tough visa restrictions in hope of better security or openness and liberality to encourage tourism and goodwill? I prefer latter."
Issue is not security vs tourism, but whether visa restrictions protect our security. The 26/11 killers had no visas, the tweet said, adding that visa arrangements are reciprocal. The more restrictive we become, the tougher it will be for Indians to travel freely.
The current provision requires long term tourist visa holders to leave country every 180 days and not return for 60 days.
Countries like UK and USA have already raised concerns over the new visa regime.