Sources have recently said that authorities in India have restricted ECR (Emigration Clearance Required) passport holders from availing the visa-on-arrival facility announced by Qatar last year.
It was last year that Qatar introduced the free visa-on-arrival facility for several countries, including India, which was no less than a boon for many residents who wanted to bring their family members and friends on a visit to the country.
However, if recent reports are to be believed, few airline representatives and travel agents have confirmed that they have got information from officials in India about the new directive which would not allow ECR passport holders to travel to Qatar on the visa-on-arrival facility.
The Gulf Times reported a leading Indian airline official who noted that that they have received a directive from officials in India and it has been in effect for since a week.
Meanwhile, an official from a leading travel agency in Qatar stated they have been advised not to issue tickets for ECR passport holders for the on-arrival visa facility.
The official recalled an instance where a passenger with an ECR passport was stopped at one of the airports in India.
He added that that authorities are suspecting that many have been misusing the facility and that is the reason why Indian officials have implemented the latest restriction.
Tag: Qatar Legal