No advisory issued, but Russians hassled in Goa: Hon. Consul
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 01 December 2015 18:22 IST
Goa-based honorary Consul of Russia has clarified that no official advisory has been issued to stay away from Goa, but admitted that Russian tourists face some hassles.
Victor Albuquerque, the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Goa, today clarified that Russian authorities have not issued any advisory stating that Goa is no more a safe destination.
But he also clarified that the Mumbai-based Russian Consulate receives information and suggestions regarding some irritants the Russians come across while in Goa.
“It includes tourists wanting to return in the same charter flight they came, extension of visas, loss of passport etc”, he informed.
Albuquerque thus demanded that Goa government streamlines these issues in order to make their stay in Goa hassle-free.
In case of advisory, he however clarified that any advisory to the Russian citizens will only be issued by the Russian Government.
“Any such advisory would also be made available through Russian Consulate”, he said.
The national media created confusion recently by publishing reports stating that advisory has been issued by Russia that Goa (and India) are unsafe places for its citizens to travel.
The reports had quoted Russian Information Centre in Goa as well as Interfax, an information portal.
“The Russian Information Centre is a private travel agency while Interfax is a private news agency and not official government agencies”, said Albuquerque.
