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Britain withdraws

bond scheme for

South Asians

LONDON: Britain has withdrawn a controversial Immigration Bond Scheme, that was supposed to be imposed on the immigrants from South Asian states.

The ministers had proposed that a bond of $16,000 should be received from all South Asian tourists. A record increase in immigrants to Britain has recently been registered. The new scheme was one of the British government's fresh moves to block illegal immigration.

Pakistan, India and Bangladesh governments and people had strongly reacted to the British government's plan. Asians, residing in Britain, had also criticised the scheme.

The British government had been reviewing options to take some positive steps since then. The scheme had empowered visa counselors in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh to seek from applicants a bond of $10,000 to $15,000 who want to visit Britain.

Filling of the bond was declared compulsory if any visa counselor apprehends that the applicant will not return from Britain. The British minister of State for Internal Affairs and Commonwealth told the parliament that the government has withdrawn the plan. He said the scheme would not be implemented in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.

He said he was aware of the importance of the British entry scheme but it should be just and transparent. British had to face severe criticism from South Asian countries. Critics say the scheme will also encourage racism.ÑPPI