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India, which welcomed foreign journalists with open hands all these years has suddenly become cautious and strict, vetting their visas more thoroughly and allowing them only after a check through the embassy in their country.
A circular issued by Prakash Gupta, officer, Press Relations in the External Affairs Ministry, says that in order to have ample time to review documents of the foreign journalists, the journalists wanting the long-term visa should file renewal application at least a month before their current visa expires.
"All foreign journalists based in India, who are on long term assignments and are applying for an extension of their 'J' visa, are requested to apply at least a month before the expiry of their present visa, to XP Division," the circular said, promising to process the applications within one week.
"This system is being introduced to further streamline the visa extension process and is in no way is intended to cause any undue delay to the applicant," the circular added.