Monday, August 8 2005 12:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In the wake of procedural delays in granting visas to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) intending to visit India, the Government is considering the option of providing them 'visa-on-arrival'.

"In order to meet the demand, we would take up with the concerned Ministries the option of granting them visa-on-arrival," Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish, Tytler said, attributing the delay to 'lack of manpower' in the embassies in various countries.

Although the Ministry of Home Affairs has expressed reservations against visa-on-arrival facility due to security reasons, his Ministry would try to convince it the need for such an option, Tytler said at a function here last evening (August 7, 2005).

"Our embassies across the world receive thousands of visa applications annually, but due to the shortage of staff and other reasons, we are able to provide only a few hundred visas," he said.

"In terms of foreign investments too, the contribution of PIOs is immense as they have invested more than $ 34 billion last year," Tytler said adding that with a relaxed visa regime the figure could touch a whopping $ 500 billion.

He also said relaxation of visa procedures for an estimated 21 million strong diaspora across the world would benefit the country's tourism and hospitality industry.