DHARAMSHALA, April 3: The Tibetans residing in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh will soon be able to use online services including registration for NORI (no objection to return to India), Exit Permit, extension of Registration Certificate (RC), return visa and Police Clearance Certificate.
The new service, according to the Department of Security, will allow Tibetans to upload pictures, documents in PDF, onto the website.
Talking to reporters today, Kunga Tashi, additional secretary, department of security, welcomed this initiative on the part of the Indian government. He said currently the online registration services, starting March 14, are available for those applying for fresh RCs or duplicate RCs in case of loss or damage.
He said the Kangra District police is working out final procedural details at the moment and shall inform the department of security which will make an announcement to that effect. He said that the online facilities will surely benefit the Tibetans and save a lot of time.
The online service is currently be available on www.indianfrro.gov.in/frro/ for a few states only but will soon be available for all Tibetans residing in India . The service, hosted by the Indian Immigration Department, can also be availed by foreigners traveling to India, therefore Tibetans should choose “Tibetan origin” from the country drop down menu.
The Indian government which does not have a refugee law operates under the Foreigners’ Registration Act, 1939 and Registration of Foreigners Rules 1992, under which a Tibetan above 16 years of age must register himself by obtaining Registration Certificate for Tibetans (RC).
The Registration Certificate, which must be renewed annually or every five years, has long been a mandatory document for Tibetans seeking scholarships, jobs in the Tibetan government or institutes and organizations within the Tibetan communities in India.
Tibetans, under the Act, are technically foreigners and must obtain Indian visa to reenter India from abroad. Also, a Tibetan must obtain an Exit Permit to travel outside India. Exit permit requires to be obtained from the Foreigners’ Registration Office through the branch office of the Department of Security and the local police station.
