The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the immigration authorities played no part in an incident involving a Nepali traveler, Shambhavi Adhikari, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. She was prevented by the airline, Qatar Airways, from boarding her flight to Berlin due to visa issues.
The Ministry stated that this situation has been mischaracterized as discrimination against Nepali citizens. It emphasized that the decision was strictly between the airline and the passenger, with no involvement from Indian immigration.
Adhikari had arrived from Kathmandu and was simply transiting through Delhi. While boarding her connecting flight, the airline assessed her visa’s validity and decided to send her back to Kathmandu. This is a common procedure where airlines follow the rules of the destination country.
Travelers in transit usually don’t interact with Indian immigration unless they are entering the country. The Ministry reassured that India values its relationship with Nepal and holds no bias against its citizens.
This incident highlights an important aspect of air travel: understanding visa requirements and airline policies. As international travel resumes post-pandemic, it’s essential for passengers to check their documentation and travel regulations, especially when transiting through countries.
According to a recent survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than 50% of travelers reported experiencing confusion over visa regulations while booking flights. This underscores the need for better communication from airlines regarding travel requirements.
In summary, while the situation for Adhikari was unfortunate, it serves as a reminder for all travelers to be well-informed about their visas to avoid similar experiences.
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NEPAL, NEPALI CITIZEN, MHA, NO ROLE OF INDIA IN STOPPING NEPALI CITIZEN FROM TRAVELLING TO BERLIN: MHA
