(a) whether the Government has received any letter/proposal from the Chief Minister of West Bengal regarding Singapore VISA offices ;
(b) if so, details thereof ; and
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard ?
(a) whether the Government has received any letter/proposal from the Chief Minister of West Bengal regarding Singapore VISA offices ;
(b) if so, details thereof ; and
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E.AHAMED)
(a) Yes.
(b) The Chief Minister had requested the External Affairs Minister to assist in reopening the Visa Office and, if possible, its upgradation to a Consulate.
(c) Government ascertained that the Visa Office was opened in 1987 on a temporary basis and closed in 2004. Upon enquiry, Singapore has conveyed that should the need for a a permanent visa processing office in Kolkata arise in future, Singapore would certainly give it due consideration. This factual position has been conveyed by the External Affairs Minister to the Chief Minister.