Mumbai: Plans to tighten rules for Indian visas following the recent arrest of a Chicago businessman alleged to have prior knowledge of the Mumbai attacks have led to confusion and complaints at the height of the tourist season.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram said on Wednesday there were gaps in the visa system, which were exposed in the case of Pakistan-born David Coleman Headley, accused of making five scouting trips to Mumbai for militant Pakistani groups.
Among the new rules is a proposal restricting travellers on long-term tourist visas from entering India within two months of their last departure from India, which has led to a storm of protests.
The plan would be a blow for many tourists who use India as a hub to visit other countries in the region, as well as for some businessmen who use long-term tourist visas for regular trips to India to avoid red tape and paperwork delays.
