Visa impartiality

I am writing in response to the Editorial in the June 26, 2001 edition of The Kathmandu
Post entitled "Not cricket".

We regret that some members of the Nepali cricket team were refused visas to enter Canada for an important competition. Our visa officers are obliged to refuse visas when they are not convinced that applicants comply with Canadian immigration laws and regulations. Each case is decided upon its own merits taking into consideration the circumstances of the individual, the application, the documentation presented and any information gathered through an interview, if necessary.

Understanding that there was a disruption to the plans of the Nepali team after these decisions our officers responded to the Royal Nepali Embassy in New Delhi that we would urgently review applications from individuals who could round off the team. Those individuals were found, assessed the same way as the others and granted visas the same day.

I would like to assure the Nepali public that Canada welcomes Nepali people both as tourists and immigrants. Your readership should be assured of the impartiality of Canadian visa officers and their respect for Nepali citizens and I trust the team will have a warm welcome in Toronto that shows that respect.

Neil Brockenshire
Counsellor (Immigration),
Canadian Embassy, New Delhi

Fabricated

We would like to draw your attention to the letter "India’s worry" written by Rajesh
Pillai G, which appeared in your newspaper on 26 June, 2001. All communications between an Embassy and its capital are always an internal matter, which has no access to unauthorized persons. It is, therefore, preposterous to comprehend that Rajesh who is a resident of Kerala could have access to any internal communication of this Mission. It is clearly evident that the letter is baseless and motivated.

It is expected that a newspaper with such a sound reputation as The Kathmandu Post, would desist from publishing ill-intended, fabricated and malicious information. At this critical juncture, it would be a great service to Nepal and the people of this country, if all concerned would demonstrate a responsible and mature attitude.

Muhammad Raza Jalil
Second Secretary (P&C),
Embassy of Pakistan