Notwithstanding the concerns raised by the Tourism Ministry on the recent hike in e-tourist visa fee, it is unlikely to be reviewed soon as it has been fixed on the basis of reciprocity with other countries, officials said Monday.
Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh requesting him to review the fee hike for the e-tourist visa.
The issue was discussed at a high-level meeting, chaired by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, where the representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs have conveyed that the visa fees are decided on the basis of reciprocity and the new fee structure is reasonable, a home ministry official privy to the development said, indicating that there may not be a review soon.
Officials in Tourism Ministry said that the hike in e-tourist visa fee could hit its plan to double foreign tourist arrivals in the next three years.
Asked about the issue, Alphons said Monday, "As Tourism Minister, it is my duty to see what is best for may sector and for that I had written to the Home Ministry requesting them to review the fee hike.
"If the Home Ministry has taken this call, it is in the interest of the country. I am okay with that. I have done my duty."
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