I myself have faced this discriminatory tendency of indians towards each other while they happily accomodate or bend over backwards to help a foreigner to who we dont have any connection or whatsoever. While waiting in chennai airport for customs along with a lot of other indian. One officer called the foreigner who was last in the queue to come forward to the booth for his customs clearance. I was surprised, angry and was taken aback to see such a behaviour when all of us were standing in the queue. I am not even really sure what type of mentality that we indians mete out to each other. Whether white or black skin when we go out together we are treated as 'Indians' and I dont understand why our immi and customs officers or for that matter any officer dont understand that fact.
Even though the kids might have been american citizens, but they are of Indian descent for sure and hence they merit a transit visa. I mean if a french guy who has no connection can get a transit visa why not people of indian origin.
What the officer did was despicable? But I am guessing there may be more it than what we see or hear?
I cannot believe some people show no sympathy towards the children! First, they had gotten valid visas (although they did not have it on them); Second, they were of Indian origin (as much as the US immegration might treat Indians differently compared to a white, the biggest difference is that these kids were of Indian origin!). Also, what gets me is that I can understand if the official is applying strict rules as laid out to him. However, that doesn't seem to be the treatment of the French national is considered!
This is a shame. Although the parents were responsible to bring along the visas that the children already have (and the father does accept his mistake), I cannot believe that the official would not show much flexibility even after looking at the age of the children (albeit his big hearted concession of waiting for 45 minutes!). What damage to the society could these children do that an illegal Bangladeshi or Pakistani national cannot?
Mr.Vijay, I read ur agony and ur statement I am ashamed of being indian.Mumbai immigration was doing their duty.It is ur blunder to have forgotten the documents.Any other country immigration would have done the same even US IMMIGRATION with out valid visa.Respect indian immigration and get over it.
First, I am very sorry and feel bad to hear this. I understand the pain they have gone through.
But This is absolutely parents ignorance. How can they expect Airports officials to allow the foreign nationals without proper visa papers? They should know, what are the procedures before traveling to India. We can't blame airport officials. If we provide any exception to it, then we are in deep trouble in terms of National security. Absolutely, is inappropriate to compare others who (French) got some visa.
I am proud the way how the officials of India are working,but feel sad on the part of the parents.I do understand that it was the parents mistake, but the inhuman treatment that was given to Indian Citizens was pathetic.When Vijay compared his situation with the French Man in the same flight, I think it is unfair on the part of the Indians not to get a transit Visas.
I would like to add one more thing, Amercian Officals behave worse than what the indian officials have behaved.A person cannot even wait for 45 min, he is immediately deported if he does not have the proper documentation.So,the Indian Officials are just doing their job.
I feel pity for the pressure that the kids went thru,but thats "Law", everyone has to abide by it, irrepective of place or time!!
Hmm!! I wouldn't 100 % agree on what the Prabhu, I do agree on that there should have some Leniency on them. But what I don't understand is you both are India's - you are going back to your home country not a new place - what were you expecting ?
I would not agree on the point that the Prabhu family goofed up by not carrying the proper documents and than having to drop the blame on the officer - if you had some how sneaked into a flight boarding for Boston without a US visa - what kinda treatment are you expecting at the Boston Logan Airport ? .
Its a human to make a mistake and try to minimize that fault by dropping part of the blame on some other person. In the end Prabhu family screwed up and so they had to pay the price for it.
The officer could have shown some Leniency, but he probably went by the books, by claiming that you saw such inhuman behavior etc etc - when any human is on the wrong side one always thinks of falling back on someone for his own mistakes.
I would say - just forget about the story as a bad dream and take rest.
Im an NRI and have been travelling for years to mumbai. Each and everytime we have paid bribe to these custom officers and then got out of the airport! Mumbai officers are very cold and cruel. they are all about the money. Not religion or humanity.
In my opinion, India will never be a civilized or a developed country till the day of judgement!
What kind of dumb person here below who says customs did their jobs. I hope his children into this to know how horrible situation can be. I agree that there is a mistake by the parents, but a fine would suffice in this situation. I am an NRI and every time I vist India I get heartless and inhumane behavior from Indian officials. Getting into Air France is one more mistake. For Air France officials, Indians are third class citizens. I had booked by flight thru Delta Airlined before in Business Class and got into Air France because they are Delta partners. I ended up complaining to Delta with proof all the extremeties I had to face with Air Franc. Delta gave me partial refund for the flight. I clearly note that the white skin do get preference in our country. Its an open thing that Custom Offcials ask for money on the airport. But its surprising now that even after gulping money they are now harrasing Indians.
