RIYADH, 5 May 2005 — The Indian Embassy has started monitoring the movement of touts following the complaint from a Saudi national that a tout collected SR 450 from him for expediting the issuance of visit visa to India as against the normal charge of SR 150.
The incident came to light when the Saudi businessman arrived at the Indian Embassy to apply for a visit visa. The Saudi, who was not aware of the charges for consular services or procedures, was approached by a tout who promised to expedite the issuance of visit visa on the condition that he be paid over and above the normal charge.
They settled on SR 450.
The businessman then went in, met with the ambassador, and complained about what had happened. Subsequently, the ambassador issued instructions to the staff asking them to ensure that such an incident does not recur. He also ordered a strict watch on the activities of touts as intermediaries in providing consular services.
Asked what prevented the embassy from calling in the police, an official said there are two inhibiting factors. First, the touts are operating outside the embassy and, therefore, not subject to their control.
Second, there is no documentary evidence to warrant action being taken against them.
