Britain to scrap visa bond scheme; relief for Indians

The British government has decided to scrap its planned scheme for a 3,000 pounds ($4,800) "security bond" for "high risk" overseas visitors, including from India and Pakistan, to the country.

Plans for a 3,000 pounds "security bond" for some "high risk" overseas visitors to Britain are to be abandoned, BBC reported Monday citing the Home Office which confirmed the report.

The aim of the scheme was to reduce the number of people from some "high risk" countries - including India, Pakistan, and Nigeria - staying in Britain, once their short-term visas had expired. Visitors would have paid a 3,000 pounds cash bond before arrival in Britain - forfeited if they failed to make the return trip.

The visa bond scheme was announced by Home Secretary Theresa May in June and was set to be introduced this month.

A Home Office spokesman confirmed a Sunday Times report that the policy would be scrapped. The decision is believed to have been taken after Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg threatened to block it.

Visitors would have paid a 3,000 pounds cash bond before arrival in the UK - to be forfeited if they failed to make the return trip.