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Dubai: The number of UAE nationals travelling to India this summer has doubled according to figures revealed by the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
In June 2007 about 6,000 tourist visas were issued, the figures stand at 12,000 for the same month this year.
"One of the main reasons for the swelling numbers of UAE nationals heading for India is primarily for health and medical check-ups. The majority of them head to the South Indian states followed by Mumbai," said Manish Kumar Sinha, consul visa and consular services.
In view of the heavy rush of tourist visa seekers the Indian consulate in Dubai has advised those wanting to visit India to approach the consulate well in advance of their journey date.
Visa processing takes at least seven days from the date of submission of visa application forms except for certain special category nationals where it may take longer. New visa rates have also come into effect from July 1 with the exception of the tourist visa which is maintained at Dh150.
"Any nationality, except those from Pakistan and Bangladesh, holding a valid UAE residence visa are issued with a six month multiple entry tourist visa," said Sinha.
He said the overwhelming rush of visa applicants has led the visa section at the consulate to work Friday and Saturday.
"The extra hours put in by our staff at the section is because we need to clear the backlog. The visa processing time is five days, on the sixth day we deliver the visa to Empost and it is delivered to the applicant on the seventh day," said Sinha.
He clarified an applicant who needs to travel to India due to an emergency will be given priority provided they can support their claim.
New visa rates
- Transit visa valid for 15 days (single/double entry) Dh75
- Tourist visa valid up to six months (multiple entry) Dh150
- Tourist visa valid up to a year (multiple entry) Dh240
- Visa valid up to five years (multiple entry, other than student visa) Dh480
- For Singapore national's tourist visa valid up to six months (multiple entry) Dh95
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