X-visa issues

DCI

hi all,

i'm having a few issues with my visa and wondered if anyone can help - i've tried to look at previous posts but couldn't quite find an answer. i've also tried calling an emailing the indian FRRO, the embassy in KTM etc etc, but i've lived long enough here now not to be surprised that I've heard nothing back.

I've been working in India for the last 9 months in an NGO. It too a bit of fuss to get a visa initially, as the amount I was being paid was under the employment banding so I couldn't get an employment visa. So they issued me with a 12-month X visa, saying that, though it was non-extendable, I could easily get another visa from a neighbouring country eg. Kathmandu.

The visa expires on 18th September, but I've just discovered that it isn't as easy as I thought: apparently there ain't a snowball's chance in hell of getting an X-visa issued in KTM, only a tourist visa. trouble is, i'm now working at UNESCO - currently under the employment visa salary band, but being paid in rupees nonetheless(tried the diplomatic immunity thing, but apparently it doesn't work for interns, d'oh!)

plus, i've now heard that it takes at least a week to get it all done in KTM - except i'm working, so can only get away at weekends. i was trying to look into getting the telex clearance from the UK done remotely - does anyone know if it's possible? i've got some work in KTM anyway, and can't think of a more convenient neighbouring country, but if i have to head somewhere else so be it.

finally, i've heard bad stories of the office being temperamental about visas too.... i've got a flight out the country in December, which hopefully proves something.

So, could anyone help with the following qs:
- what are the chances of me getting an x-visa (before september) in Kathmandu?
- if I can't, is it stupid to 'work' (only as an intern and for less than the employment salary limit) on a tourist visa?
- how long will it take to get a tourist visa in Kathmandu, and what are the chances of me beign refused?
- is it possible to get the telex clearance done remotely, then i can just pick up the visa the following week, or do I need to be present for the interview?

and any other advice would be great

many many many thanks in advance!

Nick-H

As far as I know, there is no 'banding' --- if you work in India you need an employment visa.

An 'X' visa is renewable in India: you could try. It might take them three months to consider your application, which could get you from September to your flight.

I don't think it is stupid to volunteer on a tourist visa; I think most volunteers do.

If you want an answer from the FRRO, you had better go and visit them.

Otherwise, the visa-issue system is pretty mechanical, and it is unlikely to give any flexibility to cope with individual problems.

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