(a) the names of the countries with which there does not exist any arrangement with regard to issuance of visa;
(b) the names of the countries which have withdrawn this facility in 2000-2001;
(c) the reasons for which United Arab Emirates has stopped issuing visas to Indian-citizens; and
(d) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOREXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a) As per International practice, there is no requirement of any formal bilateral arrangement for issue of visa for the nationals of a country for entry into another country if they recognize each other;
(b) Nil;
(c) The Government of United Arab Emirates have not stopped issuing visas to Indian citizens. Visas to Indian nationals for visit, employment and transit are being issued by UAE authorities as in the past. However, several airlines and hotels which were authorised to sponsor foreign visitors who were granted transit/visit visa on arrival in UAE have been directed by the UAE authorities to stop extending this facility to certain nationals including Indian citizens unless they can ensure that all such visitors return to their countries before their visas expire;
(d) Government intervention has not been considered advantageous at this stage.