The Indian Consulate here began issuing visas, despite severe logistical constraints and skeletal manpower.
“We have begun giving visas from today [Monday],” Indian Consul-General in Jaffna V. Mahalingam told The Hindu , when asked about the progress of works in the Consulate since it was set up in November-end. “We can issue between 50 and 100 visas each day,” he said.
The process of application remains the same: the applicant has to approach the facilitating service, VFS, for a visa. This would be sent to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, which will verify passports and the genuineness of the applicant. The passport, stamped with the visa, can be picked up from the Consulate in Jaffna.
“We are expecting some more software and personnel to come down from India. Once that is done we will be able to provide better service,” said Mr. Mahalingam.
He said other consular services had also commenced in Jaffna. The consulate caters for the whole peninsula — Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar.
