Passport/Visa lost by local authorities

Bobby R

Hello,

I don't want to give too much specific information because I don't want to cause any possible further problems should this post end up in the wrong hands in the city in which I am staying. I doubt that this post would end up in the local authorities hands, but you never know, so forgive me if I don't give city I'm staying in, etc...

I am a US citizen living here in India now for 5+ years. I had been coming and going every 6 months on a 10 yr tourist visa. Then in Jan 2008 went to Bangkok and got an X - Entry - visa. This was endorsed and registered with the local police for an extended stay in India for up to 5 years. The first year went ok, then I reapplied for a second year.

The passport was left with the local police and then collectors office. (I am not sure all the details as I had a local person helping me with the details, that person is now gone and unreachable for any details) As of now, it seems the collectors office says they do not have my passport.

It is now middle October and I just received a letter from Delhi stating that my extension is granted, but wallah, passport now gone. So, situation is I have to reapply for the next year within the next month because you have to apply so much time in advance of your visa expiration date.

I have photocopies of passport/visa/registration certificate/Social security card from US, paid receipt for the visa from the agency in Bangkok, all information... But, what happens to the Entry visa? When I get the new passport from the US embassy, Do I have to apply for a new visa, or can the old visa be re-applied to the new passport for me to continue with my 'registered resident' status?




BR

federica

If you have copies of all documents including the visa, the case looks for me like a stolen/lost passport. With a lot of efforts you should get everything back.

jyotirmoy

do you have a recipt from the collector's office when you deposited your passport?
BTW why did you leave your passport after having registered your X entry visa?

Haylo

As you say "was left" it sounds to me as if you gave your passport to this other person. Passports are extremely valuable items, would you have given this person your credit card?

Other people who have posted their experiences on here have reported that they have either have had to apply for a new Indian visa, or if they were about to leave India anyway, apply for an exit visa.

If you apply again in Bangkok, and submit a photocopy of your stolen entry visa with your application, you probably have a high chance of your application being successful.

__________________
The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful - E.E. Cummings, poet (1894-1962)

Bobby R

Thank you for the replies...

I understand the concern, but I am living with very trustworthy friends, so yes, I would give my credit card and other items if needed.

I don't have a receipt for the passport from the collector's office. Will check if they have some log in and out book for tracking this kind of thing.

The visa was left with the collectors office simply because they said they would need while processing my extension. Now for whatever reason they say they don't have. Maybe a change of personnel, maybe some negligence and they don't want to fess up... Who knows. I've been here long enough to know that asking too many questions will not help the situation at all.

So as it sounds, I would probably have to re-apply (and pay) for a new entry visa? Can this be done in Chennai, or need to go to Delhi?



BR

edwardseco

Ah "trustworthy"..