Comments on: Consulate humor http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/ All that flavorful brownness in one savory packet Sat, 30 Nov 2013 11:11:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Ramvit http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-194985 Ramvit Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:53:18 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-194985 <p><i>12 · <b><a href="mailto:skedussu1@yahoo.com">cicatrix</a></b> <a href="http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/001921.html#comment18117">said</a></i></p> <blockquote>Brazi</blockquote> <p>Actually, the reciprocity fees is levied by US, IF the other country charges a visa fee. Not the other way around. e.i. Brazil charges because of US. My wife is Brazilian, and I know.</p> 12 · cicatrix said

Brazi

Actually, the reciprocity fees is levied by US, IF the other country charges a visa fee. Not the other way around. e.i. Brazil charges because of US. My wife is Brazilian, and I know.

]]> By: Geetha http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34727 Geetha Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:50:28 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34727 <p>Basically I was treated like a Sri Lankan passport holder, as opposed to a British passport holder! Sad eh! In any count, this discrimination must stop!</p> Basically I was treated like a Sri Lankan passport holder, as opposed to a British passport holder! Sad eh! In any count, this discrimination must stop!

]]> By: Geetha http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34726 Geetha Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:47:18 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34726 <p>By the way, just to help out, here are some of the Q&A bits from the High Commission website:</p> <p>How long does it take to obtain a visa?</p> <ul> <li>In person, normally British passport holders can get their visas on the same day. </li> <li>Persons not residing in the UK, Journalist, persons holding Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan passports, British Travel Document holders of Sri Lankan origin and visitors to some restricted areas ? visas will take 3 ?5 working days.</li> <li>Travel document holders, other than of Sri Lankan origin, voluntary work, research visas and certain other categories, clearance from India is mandatory hence issuance takes time. It is advisable that travel arrangements are made only after obtaining the visa.</li> </ul> <p>How do I obtain a visa?</p> <p>You can apply for a visa a. In person b. Through Post c. During visa surgeries</p> <p>i. Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals have to file their applications in specific forms. ii. Additional forms are required for Sri Lankan passport holders, British travel document holders of Sri Lankan origin and non UK passport holders (who have lived in UK for less than a year). iii. Restricted area forms If you wish to ascertain if any of the places you intend to visit falls in this category, please contact HCI London. iv. Transfer of visa form (meant for transfer of 5 year visas issued to persons of Indian origin only).</p> <p>How much does a visa cost?</p> <p>Visa Fees Up to 6 months single / multiple entries - ?30/- 6to12 months multiple entry - ?50/- More than 12 months - ?90/- Student visas more than 12 months - ?55/- US passports 6 months multiple entry - ?45/- More than 12 months - ?105/- Russian passports - ?60/- Romanian passports - ?35/- Japanese passports - ?6/- Pakistani passports - 50p Sri Lankan passports- 3 months, single entry - ?3/- double entry - ?6/- Business visas - ?8/-</p> <p>Transit visas - ?8/- Transfer of visas (only for XV / 5 years) - ?4/- Additional charges: Non UK residents - ?10/- Emergency fee - ?25/-</p> <p>Hope this helps! :-)</p> By the way, just to help out, here are some of the Q&A bits from the High Commission website:

How long does it take to obtain a visa?

  • In person, normally British passport holders can get their visas on the same day.
  • Persons not residing in the UK, Journalist, persons holding Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan passports, British Travel Document holders of Sri Lankan origin and visitors to some restricted areas ? visas will take 3 ?5 working days.
  • Travel document holders, other than of Sri Lankan origin, voluntary work, research visas and certain other categories, clearance from India is mandatory hence issuance takes time. It is advisable that travel arrangements are made only after obtaining the visa.

How do I obtain a visa?

You can apply for a visa a. In person b. Through Post c. During visa surgeries

i. Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals have to file their applications in specific forms. ii. Additional forms are required for Sri Lankan passport holders, British travel document holders of Sri Lankan origin and non UK passport holders (who have lived in UK for less than a year). iii. Restricted area forms If you wish to ascertain if any of the places you intend to visit falls in this category, please contact HCI London. iv. Transfer of visa form (meant for transfer of 5 year visas issued to persons of Indian origin only).

How much does a visa cost?

Visa Fees Up to 6 months single / multiple entries – ?30/- 6to12 months multiple entry – ?50/- More than 12 months – ?90/- Student visas more than 12 months – ?55/- US passports 6 months multiple entry – ?45/- More than 12 months – ?105/- Russian passports – ?60/- Romanian passports – ?35/- Japanese passports – ?6/- Pakistani passports – 50p Sri Lankan passports- 3 months, single entry – ?3/- double entry – ?6/- Business visas – ?8/-

Transit visas – ?8/- Transfer of visas (only for XV / 5 years) – ?4/- Additional charges: Non UK residents – ?10/- Emergency fee – ?25/-

Hope this helps! :-)

]]> By: Geetha http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34724 Geetha Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:46:43 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34724 <p>By the way, just to help out, here are some of the Q&A bits from the High Commission website:</p> <p>How long does it take to obtain a visa?</p> <ul> <li>In person, normally British passport holders can get their visas on the same day. </li> <li>Persons not residing in the UK, Journalist, persons holding Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan passports, British Travel Document holders of Sri Lankan origin and visitors to some restricted areas ? visas will take 3 ?5 working days.</li> <li>Travel document holders, other than of Sri Lankan origin, voluntary work, research visas and certain other categories, clearance from India is mandatory hence issuance takes time. It is advisable that travel arrangements are made only after obtaining the visa.</li> </ul> <p>How do I obtain a visa?</p> <p>You can apply for a visa a. In person b. Through Post c. During visa surgeries</p> <p>i. Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals have to file their applications in specific forms. ii. Additional forms are required for Sri Lankan passport holders, British travel document holders of Sri Lankan origin and non UK passport holders (who have lived in UK for less than a year). iii. Restricted area forms If you wish to ascertain if any of the places you intend to visit falls in this category, please contact HCI London. iv. Transfer of visa form (meant for transfer of 5 year visas issued to persons of Indian origin only).</p> <p>How much does a visa cost?</p> <p>Visa Fees Up to 6 months single / multiple entries - ?30/- 6to12 months multiple entry - ?50/- More than 12 months - ?90/- Student visas more than 12 months - ?55/- US passports 6 months multiple entry - ?45/- More than 12 months - ?105/- Russian passports - ?60/- Romanian passports - ?35/- Japanese passports - ?6/- Pakistani passports - 50p Sri Lankan passports- 3 months, single entry - ?3/- double entry - ?6/- Business visas - ?8/-</p> <p>Transit visas - ?8/- Transfer of visas (only for XV / 5 years) - ?4/- Additional charges: Non UK residents - ?10/- Emergency fee - ?25/-</p> <p>Hope this help! :-)</p> By the way, just to help out, here are some of the Q&A bits from the High Commission website:

How long does it take to obtain a visa?

  • In person, normally British passport holders can get their visas on the same day.
  • Persons not residing in the UK, Journalist, persons holding Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan passports, British Travel Document holders of Sri Lankan origin and visitors to some restricted areas ? visas will take 3 ?5 working days.
  • Travel document holders, other than of Sri Lankan origin, voluntary work, research visas and certain other categories, clearance from India is mandatory hence issuance takes time. It is advisable that travel arrangements are made only after obtaining the visa.

How do I obtain a visa?

You can apply for a visa a. In person b. Through Post c. During visa surgeries

i. Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals have to file their applications in specific forms. ii. Additional forms are required for Sri Lankan passport holders, British travel document holders of Sri Lankan origin and non UK passport holders (who have lived in UK for less than a year). iii. Restricted area forms If you wish to ascertain if any of the places you intend to visit falls in this category, please contact HCI London. iv. Transfer of visa form (meant for transfer of 5 year visas issued to persons of Indian origin only).

How much does a visa cost?

Visa Fees Up to 6 months single / multiple entries – ?30/- 6to12 months multiple entry – ?50/- More than 12 months – ?90/- Student visas more than 12 months – ?55/- US passports 6 months multiple entry – ?45/- More than 12 months – ?105/- Russian passports – ?60/- Romanian passports – ?35/- Japanese passports – ?6/- Pakistani passports – 50p Sri Lankan passports- 3 months, single entry – ?3/- double entry – ?6/- Business visas – ?8/-

Transit visas – ?8/- Transfer of visas (only for XV / 5 years) – ?4/- Additional charges: Non UK residents – ?10/- Emergency fee – ?25/-

Hope this help! :-)

]]> By: Geetha http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34723 Geetha Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:39:48 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34723 <p>dhaavak - no problem! I just feel sad that my birthplace makes me inferior in the eyes of the Indian embassy and that even though I am British and am treated as British all over the world, in India; I am seen as an LTTE or some kind of terrorist! The bad thing is that had I been born in Afghanistan, I would have been given 6 months multiple! All those people who were given it will not even use it or appreciate it; they are there for a weekÂ’s holiday only, whereas, for me, it is like a ‘Bharat DarshanÂ’, which I was planning on relishing all the way!</p> <p>It's just been very upsetting for me really. Wish my voice would come back before I go, so that I can at least call them and see if they can help. It is sad for me to miss out on the Bangalore leg, especially the Art of living Silver jubilee, where 3 Million people from all over the world are attending! Have a look, it is set to be major - I did the 1st course and it is definitely a peace loving movement, even though I am not a follower of Swamis and stuff, they give out lovely vibes and the breathing techniques are scientifically proven! But I digress...</p> <p>http://www.artoflivingsilverjubilee.org/</p> <p>Good luck all with your embassy jaunts! :-) I will post after I follow up! Perhaps from Chennai itself! In the meantime, any tips from any of you in India will be greatly appreciated!</p> dhaavak – no problem! I just feel sad that my birthplace makes me inferior in the eyes of the Indian embassy and that even though I am British and am treated as British all over the world, in India; I am seen as an LTTE or some kind of terrorist! The bad thing is that had I been born in Afghanistan, I would have been given 6 months multiple! All those people who were given it will not even use it or appreciate it; they are there for a weekÂ’s holiday only, whereas, for me, it is like a ‘Bharat DarshanÂ’, which I was planning on relishing all the way!

It’s just been very upsetting for me really. Wish my voice would come back before I go, so that I can at least call them and see if they can help. It is sad for me to miss out on the Bangalore leg, especially the Art of living Silver jubilee, where 3 Million people from all over the world are attending! Have a look, it is set to be major – I did the 1st course and it is definitely a peace loving movement, even though I am not a follower of Swamis and stuff, they give out lovely vibes and the breathing techniques are scientifically proven! But I digress…

http://www.artoflivingsilverjubilee.org/

Good luck all with your embassy jaunts! :-) I will post after I follow up! Perhaps from Chennai itself! In the meantime, any tips from any of you in India will be greatly appreciated!

]]> By: dhaavak http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34713 dhaavak Tue, 15 Nov 2005 09:24:20 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34713 <p>apologies geetha - i misread.</p> apologies geetha – i misread.

]]> By: Geetha http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34711 Geetha Tue, 15 Nov 2005 09:17:58 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34711 <p>dhaavak - would you say that my money in India and spending is going to be less than someone who goes for 1 week and is given a 6 month multiple entry? I think not - I will be there, contributing to their economy, but the very fact that I was born in Sri Lanka has meant that I loose out in all counts, including the crux of the trip from 17-20th! She also 'smeared' it in my face by saying, but I will give 'him', referring to me partner, the 6 months, but not you! Without the ability to talk, there was simply nothing I could do, as she made no attempts to even hear what I was asking for or explaining! What do you call all that please?</p> dhaavak – would you say that my money in India and spending is going to be less than someone who goes for 1 week and is given a 6 month multiple entry? I think not – I will be there, contributing to their economy, but the very fact that I was born in Sri Lanka has meant that I loose out in all counts, including the crux of the trip from 17-20th! She also ‘smeared’ it in my face by saying, but I will give ‘him’, referring to me partner, the 6 months, but not you! Without the ability to talk, there was simply nothing I could do, as she made no attempts to even hear what I was asking for or explaining! What do you call all that please?

]]> By: Geetha http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34710 Geetha Tue, 15 Nov 2005 09:05:16 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34710 <p>dhaavak - I think you have misconstrued my points entirely! Please read my posts carefully, it is obvious that I am a British citizen; the only stipulation is that my birth place is Sri Lanka! I travel a lot and I needed 3 months in India, starting from 20th November till 28th Feb 2006! That's all I needed! I wasn't planning to live in India etc! I never said I was better than a Sri Lankan or an 'African' Britisher, I am saying that I too am technically a Britisher! I have the same rights as any British person, everywhere apart from the India High commission apparently! Please understand where I am coming from, the 'African' you think I am saying is better than me happens to be my fiancé!</p> <p>My point is that I was subjected to racism because I was born in Sri Lanka - I needed that visa for just 2 weeks more than they gave me, which was out of order, considering I am no Tamil tiger, just someone who does a lot of travel! It is not the fact that he was African, but the fact that he didn't require a 6 month multiple visa - they stamped this 6 month visa for all the 'white' English people too! The fact is that I am going to be in India longer than these other people and on the website, it doesn't stipulate that if born in Sri lankan, one is ostracised! Also, they never gave me the option of a 6 month visa!</p> <p>The fact that I had lost my voice, thus couldn't speak to the lady, who was clearly not even interested in listening to me and that fact that they didn't even give me the option, considering how many countries I have visas or stamps on my passport bugged me and the mere fact that I have lived in the UK for 18 years and the fact that I couldnÂ’t have 3 months to tour India - I have to cut my trip short by 2 vital weeks - the art of living celebration in Bangalore from 17-20th is extremely important to me!</p> <p>Ananthan - Sadly, time and illness is my issue, I have the flu, lost my voice, flying on 20th for a long trip away from UK, I just donÂ’t have the luxury of standing in the cold from 7am again and again to get this sorted! I was hoping that I can get an extension in India or simply cut my trip short - I have no choice! But if a British person is given 6 month multiple entry, with a British passport, I should have equal rights, as I am protected by the very rights of all those ‘whiteÂ’ and ‘blackÂ’ and ‘yellowÂ’ Britishers!</p> dhaavak – I think you have misconstrued my points entirely! Please read my posts carefully, it is obvious that I am a British citizen; the only stipulation is that my birth place is Sri Lanka! I travel a lot and I needed 3 months in India, starting from 20th November till 28th Feb 2006! That’s all I needed! I wasn’t planning to live in India etc! I never said I was better than a Sri Lankan or an ‘African’ Britisher, I am saying that I too am technically a Britisher! I have the same rights as any British person, everywhere apart from the India High commission apparently! Please understand where I am coming from, the ‘African’ you think I am saying is better than me happens to be my fiancé!

My point is that I was subjected to racism because I was born in Sri Lanka – I needed that visa for just 2 weeks more than they gave me, which was out of order, considering I am no Tamil tiger, just someone who does a lot of travel! It is not the fact that he was African, but the fact that he didn’t require a 6 month multiple visa – they stamped this 6 month visa for all the ‘white’ English people too! The fact is that I am going to be in India longer than these other people and on the website, it doesn’t stipulate that if born in Sri lankan, one is ostracised! Also, they never gave me the option of a 6 month visa!

The fact that I had lost my voice, thus couldn’t speak to the lady, who was clearly not even interested in listening to me and that fact that they didn’t even give me the option, considering how many countries I have visas or stamps on my passport bugged me and the mere fact that I have lived in the UK for 18 years and the fact that I couldnÂ’t have 3 months to tour India – I have to cut my trip short by 2 vital weeks – the art of living celebration in Bangalore from 17-20th is extremely important to me!

Ananthan – Sadly, time and illness is my issue, I have the flu, lost my voice, flying on 20th for a long trip away from UK, I just donÂ’t have the luxury of standing in the cold from 7am again and again to get this sorted! I was hoping that I can get an extension in India or simply cut my trip short – I have no choice! But if a British person is given 6 month multiple entry, with a British passport, I should have equal rights, as I am protected by the very rights of all those ‘whiteÂ’ and ‘blackÂ’ and ‘yellowÂ’ Britishers!

]]> By: Ananthan http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34703 Ananthan Tue, 15 Nov 2005 06:08:45 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34703 <p>Geetha, im no expert on any of this, but when I applied they asked me to specify which type of visa i wanted, did you ask for a 6 month multiple entry visa?</p> <p>Either way, try asking for a meeting with someone at the office. I had some trouble too but met with the deputy CG and found they were really flexible with things. Like i said above, i had only asked for a single entry visa but they gave me a 6 month multiple entry without my asking, so try asking for a meeting and say its urgent and all that stuff, maybe you'll get lucky.</p> Geetha, im no expert on any of this, but when I applied they asked me to specify which type of visa i wanted, did you ask for a 6 month multiple entry visa?

Either way, try asking for a meeting with someone at the office. I had some trouble too but met with the deputy CG and found they were really flexible with things. Like i said above, i had only asked for a single entry visa but they gave me a 6 month multiple entry without my asking, so try asking for a meeting and say its urgent and all that stuff, maybe you’ll get lucky.

]]> By: dhaavak http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2005/07/29/consulate_humor/comment-page-1/#comment-34697 dhaavak Tue, 15 Nov 2005 03:38:02 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=1921#comment-34697 <blockquote>Just got my Indian visa today - get this - I am British, but brown skinned as I was born in Sri Lanka! What happens at the London Indian consulate? Well, they see that I was born in Sri Lanka, claim that I must have dual nationality although I don't, see that I have been 'British' for 18 years now, see that I travel very frequently, know that my trip to India is for 3 months, but as the date of visa issue is the date you go in, they give me a 3 month visa till Feb 13th, when I am due in Bangalore from 17th to the 20th! They refuse to change this, totally racist as I was born in Sri Lanka... but, get this! A colleague who is also coming later on and for a shorter time gave his passport to be stamped - he's African, but born in UK, has lived less time than me in the UK, they give him a 6 month multiple entry visa, for the same price as my 3 month single entry! </blockquote> <p>Geetha - I looked over your two posts above - to summarize - you're angry because the consulate person says you must hold citizenship (given that you were born in SL, this is not impossible and the official is within his/her bounds to hold the benefit of doubt). <br> You then go on to discuss a compatriot who was born in the UK but has lived less time in the UK. (well... the consulate person doesnt know and could care less about how long your buddy's been in the UK. he wasnt born in another country - makes the decision clearer for the consulate person) <br> I didnt get a clear picture of how you justified your 3 day (17 to 20) trip in context of the 3 month trip later. <br> Anyhow - I was surprised at your outburst of racism - incompetence or inefficiency, yes ... and I've known some bureaucrats to become very obdurate when pushed ... but racism seems a stretch. <br> And frankly... I really didnt like you insinuating that you are better than sri lankans and britishers who happen to be africans<br></p> Just got my Indian visa today – get this – I am British, but brown skinned as I was born in Sri Lanka! What happens at the London Indian consulate? Well, they see that I was born in Sri Lanka, claim that I must have dual nationality although I don’t, see that I have been ‘British’ for 18 years now, see that I travel very frequently, know that my trip to India is for 3 months, but as the date of visa issue is the date you go in, they give me a 3 month visa till Feb 13th, when I am due in Bangalore from 17th to the 20th! They refuse to change this, totally racist as I was born in Sri Lanka… but, get this! A colleague who is also coming later on and for a shorter time gave his passport to be stamped – he’s African, but born in UK, has lived less time than me in the UK, they give him a 6 month multiple entry visa, for the same price as my 3 month single entry!

Geetha – I looked over your two posts above – to summarize – you’re angry because the consulate person says you must hold citizenship (given that you were born in SL, this is not impossible and the official is within his/her bounds to hold the benefit of doubt).
You then go on to discuss a compatriot who was born in the UK but has lived less time in the UK. (well… the consulate person doesnt know and could care less about how long your buddy’s been in the UK. he wasnt born in another country – makes the decision clearer for the consulate person)
I didnt get a clear picture of how you justified your 3 day (17 to 20) trip in context of the 3 month trip later.
Anyhow – I was surprised at your outburst of racism – incompetence or inefficiency, yes … and I’ve known some bureaucrats to become very obdurate when pushed … but racism seems a stretch.
And frankly… I really didnt like you insinuating that you are better than sri lankans and britishers who happen to be africans

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