The key facts
- Russia's Consulate General in India did not confirm reports of the mass deportation of Russians from Goa
- Diplomats stated there were no signs of a targeted tightening of requirements for Russian citizens
- Earlier, three Russians who remained in the state after their permitted period of stay had expired were deported
Diplomats called the checks routine
Russia's Consulate General in India did not confirm media reports about the mass expulsion of Russians from Goa. According to the diplomats, local law enforcement agencies are conducting routine checks of visa compliance, and these are proceeding as normal. «There are no grounds to speak of any targeted tightening of migration policy towards Russians,» the diplomatic mission emphasized.
What is known about the deportations and the position of tour operators
The Consulate assured that it continues to provide consular assistance to compatriots, but reminded them of the need to comply with local migration rules. Earlier the Association of Tour Operators of Russia ruled out the threat of mass deportation of organized tourists from Goa: according to ATOR's explanation, vacationers on package tours usually stay in India for 10–14 days and do not violate visa time limits. Meanwhile, as Life.ru noted, three Russians who remained in the country after their permitted period of stay had expired were previously deported from the state.
Context
Thus, the confirmed facts boil down to isolated deportations of visa rule violators, while reports of a mass expulsion have been confirmed neither by the consulate nor by tour operators. No changes to visa rules for Russian tourists were reported in the publications.
