Home Ministry opposed to visa on arrival scheme: Soni

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni today said the Centre is considering a proposal to grant visas on arrival to promote tourism, but the Home Ministry has objected to it in view of the prevalent security scenario.

''The Ministry of Home Affairs has not agreed to the proposal regarding Visa-on- Arrival due to the prevalent security scenario,'' she informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Ms Soni said Indian Missions abroad, including those in the Western capitals, grant visas expeditiously in keeping with the relevant norms.

''Visas are granted on the same day or the next day of the receipt of application, except in the case of applications which require prior approval of the Government,'' she added.

At present, 24 Missions have started outsourcing of collection of visa application forms.

''Tourists intending to visit India are provided prompt and courteous services when they visit Indian Missions/Posts abroad for seeking Indian visas,'' she told the House.

Ms Soni has been pitching strongly in favour of the scheme as she believes it will give a fillip to promotion of tourism.

UNI/SKS YA RK1530