On Mon, Sep 20, 2010 at 8:44 PM, Stephanie Whiting < [email protected]> wrote:
> Nishant, > > I don't post to the mailing list often. But seeing as I know a bit about > the visa regulations I hope I can help. > Stephanie, Thank you so much for this information. It does help a lot, because both, my friend and I, are more or less at sea, about the citizenship and adoption processes and couldn't even figure out where to search for the initial information to give her. I am going to pass on this info to her and hope that she will be able to take it further from there. > > Dear all, > A friend of a friend (isn't how that always is?) is looking at adopting a > child in India in the coming future. She is also hoping to settle down in > India, but her visa currently says that she can live in India for a maximum > period of six months and then get extensions. > > It sounds as if she has just a regular tourist visa at the moment. Now, not > only does the tourist visa only give 6 months (sometimes less), India has a > new (well, as of nov-dec of 2009) stating that a 2 month gap is mandatory > between each visit. ***HOWEVER*** unless there is some emergency or viable > circumstances one can go to an Indian Consulate (either before they leave to > go to India, or after the 6 months, from outside) and get a letter giving > permission for re-entry. Perhaps in her circumstance she should consult with > her local Indian Consulate and apply for a Entry ( X ) visa, as I know that > can be obtained on dependent status. I know that is how it will work for me, > since I'm married to an Indian citizen. > This is really helpful. Yes, right now she does have a tourist visa and I think she should consult with the Indian Consulate and see what happens. I think she was particularly asking if there is some sort of an 'adoption' or 'surrogacy' visa, which, I am led to believe, some countries offer. I doubt, however, if India has any such provisions. > > She has asked me if, like in Africa (her information), adopting an Indian > child bestows a citizenship on the adopting parent so that s/he can live > without interruptions in the country. > > I know that it is possible to get Indian citizenship if you are a foreigner > but it takes at the least 7 years. > http://www.mha.nic.in/citizenship/acquisition.htm > > My suggestion is that your friend should contact the Indian Consulate who > should be able to help her. Although, please advise her that her situation > may be unique and may need to be dealt with by MHA (Ministry of Home > Affairs) in Delhi, so the friend should inquire with plenty of time to > spare. > > Awesome. This is what I had suggested she do - and I think she knows it herself - but she only wanted some sort of 'human' assurance as she negotiates with the processes. > HTH, > Stephanie Das Gupta > Thanks again, for taking the time out. Warmly Nishant -- Nishant Shah Doctoral Candidate, CSCS, Bangalore. Director (Research), Centre for Internet and Society,( www.cis-india.org ) Asia Awards Fellow, 2008-09 # 00-91-9740074884
