For ‘engaging in political activities’, two British nationals recently had their tourist visas revoked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
Following an investigation, it was determined that the couple’s actions ‘violated local sensitivities’ and breached their visa rules. (Photo: X)
On Monday, the Rajasthan Police issued a notice to two British nationals for violating their visa conditions. The couple allegedly engaged in political activities, which was considered serious by the state’s Intelligence Department and the district police. After discovering the evidence, the couple was interrogated in late January. Now, they have been directed to leave the country.
Lewis Gabriel Dee and Anueshi Emma Christine, a British couple, both aged 36, were visiting Pushkar, Rajasthan.
First, the Intelligence Department received information about the couple’s actions. Rajasthan Police, District Pushkar, then proceeded with the investigation. The couple was also interrogated by a team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (CID, Ajmer Zone), Rajesh Meena.
The couple printed nine posters containing political messaging at a local printing press, which stated, “Free Palestine, Boycott Israel”. They proceeded to paste these posters across Pushkar, which is one of the many popular destinations for Israeli tourists in India. Once local authorities took note of these posters at several public locations, including near a Chabad House, they investigated the matter and approached the main suspects for questioning.
Following an investigation, it was determined that the couple’s actions ‘violated local sensitivities’ and breached their visa rules. The couple reportedly apologized for their actions, however they were served with a “Leave India” notice.
The posters, which read, “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel”, are slogans used globally to criticise Israel’s military actions and policies toward Palestinians. The British tourists were expressing their solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Notably their home country itself, the United Kingdom, recently tightened restrictions on pro-Palestine demonstrations, citing public order and security concerns.
Any foreign national who wants to travel to India requires a visa. There are multiple types of visa issued by the Indian consulates across the world. The British couple in question possessed a ‘Tourist Visa’. Tourist visas in India prohibit political campaigning or advocacy. Violations of visa conditions can result in a range of actions, from deportation to permanent travel ban. In this case, the couple was asked to self-deport.
