India rejects proposal to grant visa-on-arrival to Bangladeshis

Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has rejected the proposal of Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to grant visa-on-arrival facility to Bangladeshi nationals and visa-free entry to citizens of that country under the age of 18 and over the age of 65, reports UNB.

This came after MEA had asked MHA to give its opinion to include the two issues as part of the tentative agenda of discussions during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Bangladesh between June 25 and 27, reports The Indian Express.

"We have rightly rejected the two proposals. We have already communicated to MEA our strong objection to the proposals," an Indian home ministry official said.

The issue has generated strong reaction in Assam, where Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi opposed the move and slammed the Narendra Modi government for toying the idea.

Gogoi's reaction came after MEA sought the opinion of Assam government, among other stakeholders, on the two issues.

MHA, however, did not rule out another MEA proposal - long-term multiple entry tourist visa for Bangladeshis under the age of 18 and over the age of 65.