Bahrain plans to grant Indians visa on arrival


               Indo-Asian News Service

      Dubai, Sep 15 (IANS) In a bid to strengthen relations with India, Bahrain is likely to start granting visas on arrival to Indians by the end of 2008.

      The new system is going to be implemented over two phases, with businessmen benefitting first, according to Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the undersecretary for nationality, passports and residence at Bahrain's interior ministry.

      Bahrain had first announced its intention to give visa on arrival to Indians and Russians in July this year.

"It has been agreed in principle to add the two countries to the list of countries approved by Bahrain for visas on arrival," Al Khalifa told the Gulf Daily News.

      "However, certain procedures have to be completed before it is implemented," he added.

      He said the decision was in line with the wishes of Bahrain's ruler King Hamad Ibn Isa Al Khalifah, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, and Crown Prince and Bahrain Defence Force Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa to further strengthen ties with India.

      There are around 290,000 expatriate Indians in Bahrain.

      Al Khalifa said Indian businessmen would be given visa on arrival for a period of two weeks in the first phase.

      "For Indian tourists, including families, the walk-in visa facility may be available at a later stage. I am not in a position to say exactly when it will be implemented," he said.

      As of now, citizens of 35 countries are granted visa on arrival at Bahrain's various entry points.

      Indo-Asian News Service

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