Question : OUTSOURCING OF VISA OPERATIONS

(a) whether the Indian High Commission in London had outsourced visa operations to a private company;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there have been complaints about the agency overcharging for their services; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) Yes.

(b) Visa services have been outsourced by the High Commission of India, London to VFS(UK) Global.

(c) No.

(d) Does not arise.