They overcharge and submit fake documents

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Consul General of India in New York Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan on August 7, invited the media persons to the Consulate to brief them on the consular services and to share with them his worries about the malpractices indulged in by the travel agents.

Mr. Pradhan first spoke about the growing Indian student population  in his jurisdiction which has 10 States. They face  various kinds of situations to meet which they need the guidance from the community. The  Consulate, Mr. Pradhan said, is constantly in touch with the students, and their needs are always considered on a priority basis. The various services being provided and the digital platforms created by the Consulate for providing information  etc. were part of the Consul General’s address.

Finally, the Consul General touched upon the issue for which he had invited the media persons. He said that several instances have come to the notice of the Consulate where travel agents have overcharged applicants for assistance in getting Consular services. He said the Consulate or the VFS do not charge any extra fee other than the one stipulated by the Consulate. Mr. Pradhan  spoke about fake documents being submitted by these agents. He also said that a number of fake E-Visa websites, claiming to provide E-visa services, were active on the internet.

He sought the help of the TV channels and newspapers in cautioning the public against falling prey to the unscrupulous agents, and avail the services directly from the Consulate and the VFS Global, the designated agents to provide consular services.

The information about the fees for various services can easily be found at the Consulate’s website https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in, and at the VFS Global website https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/.