India launches cashless visa services

Bangladeshis will now be able to pay the visa process fees of India via credit or debit cards as India launched cashless visa service here today.

Visiting Indian Finance and Corporate Minister Arun Jaitely inaugurated the service at a city hotel. Bangladesh Finance Minister AMA Muhith was present during the programme, according to a news agency.

According to India High Commission, the service was inaugurated online at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) Shyamoli, Dhaka and IVAC in Sylhet. State Bank of India introduced the cashless visa services for Bangladeshis who want to visit the neighbouring country.

The online visa payment will be available in all the 12 Indian Visa Application Centres.

"There is significant cooperation and understanding between the two governments, between the people of two countries," said Arun Jaitley, mentioning that 14 lakh people visit India a year.

The Dhaka office of Exim Bank of India was also inaugurated at the programme.

Managing Director of the State Bank of India B Sriram and Managing Director of Indian EXIM Bank David Rasquinha were present at the ceremony.