MNS demands action against foreign artists without work visa

Mumbai, Feb 15: A day after Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was detained by DRI for being in possession of an undeclared USD 1.24 lakh, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Tuesday demanded action against foreign artists who work in India despite not having work permits.

Members of MNS's Cine Workers Association met police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal in this regard today.

"We told the Commissioner that several foreign artists come to India for work. They come on tourist visa and do not have work permits. How are they then allowed to work or perform here?" the Association's president Ameya Khopkar told reporters.

Khopkar further said even the payments made to such artists did not go through "proper channel."

"The commissioner agreed it is a serious issue and assured us that he would take up the visa matter with the Immigration department and the other issues with officials of DRI," Khopkar said.

He warned that if the police failed to act, the MNS would launch an agitation, and not allow sale of products involving such foreign artists.

PTI