Aug. 2, 2007: Update on Leaving India

I don't want to belabor the points, but, in my own self defense I feel like I should make some further statements.

I read the India Travel Advisory from the State Deptartment that I had on my email. In there, the Embassy makes it very clear that a violation of the Visa regulation(s) is a serious matter that can result in jailing and deportation. This is all the more important that I kept insisting to the Indian Visa Officer that the Pondicherry Officer had mislead me and that I had not overstayed my visa "intentionally". I feel I had a right to expect fair treatment by the Exiting Visa Officer. I do not feel that they cared not at all for what I would have to go through.

Most of all, I was low on money because I had had a large theft in McLeodGang and so I was strictly budgeted until I got to Kathmandu. I told the Visa Officer this and was told it was not
their concern; it was mine. I have no objection to punishment if the party is guilty of some willful wrongdoing; I do have objection to punishment if the person is telling the truth and is innocent of any willful wrongdoing, which was my case. Before I could exit India I had to go the Ministry of Home Affairs and the FRRO and document the story, which I did. I was believed at both Agencies and so got the Exit Visa; but was stamped "overstay" in my Passport. I am guilty of ignorant overstay because of wrong advice by another Visa Officer; I am not guilty of willful "overstay".

I write this especially for the Embassy because I have no idea what they may have been told, but I am not certain it would be the truth.

What I have printed here is the truth.

Should I speculate that this is some kind of "gotcha" for other things that I may be involved in?

These are my thoughts for the moment.