Blame IPL2 for delay in your biz trip

With the second season of the most-awaited cricket series to begin in SA, the line for visas is getting longer; business travellers bear the brunt

With the second season of the most-awaited cricket series to begin in SA, the line for visas is getting longer; business travellers bear the brunt

Going to South Africa on a business tour? There could be a slight delay to get your visas; reason is the Indian Premiere League (IPL) 2.

ALL PLAY, NO WORK: The BCCI's decision to change the IPL venue from India to South Africa has created problems for business travellers and IPL fans, as clearance of visas is taking longer than usual. Producer Gautam Kumar (inset), who is actor Hrithik Roshan's cousin, could not use his influence to speed up the process. PICS/SURESH K Ku00a0

The BCCI's last minute decision to change the match venue to SA has created an obscurity for the business travellers and also for the IPL fans, as clearance of visas is taking longer than usual.

A travel manager of a Mumbai-based Software Company said,u00a0 "Two of our colleagues were supposed to leave for SA this month, but only one managed to get the visa, as he was going for an IPL match. While the other had to postpone his trip as the consulate rejected his papers saying the documents are improper. This is not the first time that business visas have been rejected on impractical grounds," George D'Souza (name changed).

Cricket lover Gautam Kumar, film producer (Aap Mujhe Ache Lagne Lage) and Hrithik Roshan's cousin too, could not use his influence to speed up the process. "I have approached at least five tour operators, but was told that the visa will take time. I won't be able to reach for the opening matches on April 18. The SA consulate should have been well organised. I will leave on April 24," said Kumar.

Visa on arrival

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has demanded visas on arrival from the South Africa tourism.

"There are only a few days left for the IPL to start. Thus, granting visas on arrival is a better alternative," said Iqbal Mulla, managing director of Treasure Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd and the treasurer of (TAAI).

Mehboob Mohammed Shaikh, manager of Travel Voyages India Pvt Limited, who deals with corporate company bookings, said, "We have expressed our concern to the SA consulate, but no action has been taken." Shaikh added that the increased cost of air tickets and non-availability of seats is another problem.

However, when MiD DAY contacted the South Africa Consulate at Altamount Road and the South Africa tourism, they denied the claim.

"We have received many applications for visas for this month and they will be cleared at the earliest," said the official. The South African tourism has created a separate line for IPL visas. "We are not compromising on business visas, but we wont be able to give visas on arrival," said the spokesperson.