Reduce visa fee for Indians visiting Britain: Virgin Atlantic

Britain-based airline major Virgin Atlantic on Thursday called upon the British government to slash the price of 10-year visit visa for Indian nationals.

"We have been working with the UK government on a range of proposals to reduce the cost and complexity of visit visas for Indian and Chinese customers," said Nick Parker, head for India and Middle East, Virgin Atlantic.

"Significant visa reform is essential to unlocking the full potential of the vast exciting business and cultural opportunities that exist between the UK and India."

The demand for slashing the visit visa fee and bring it at par with the cost of a six-month visa comes after similar measures were taken by the UK government for Chinese nationals.

Furthermore, the request to slash the visa fee comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Britain next week.

"If the UK is serious about further strengthening the economic and cultural relationship with India, this visa change should be delivered next week," Parker added.

The airline has called upon the British government to open up access to the country for Indian nationals, whether they are travelling for work or leisure.

If the proposal is accepted than the cost of a 10-year visit visa will come down from 737 pounds (Rs.73,700) to 85 pounds (Rs.8,500).

Virgin Atlantic operates a daily service between London Heathrow and New Delhi on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the newest aircraft in its fleet.