BANGALORE: The Australian high commission said on Saturday that it had refused visa to the Indian lawn bowls team last week as the ministry and the federation had not provided relevant documents, including details of financial support.
"The previous applications for visas submitted by the team were refused because the required documentation was not provided (despite many requests from the high commission)," the high commission told TOI in a statement.
"These documents were only tendered after the visas were refused. At the time of refusal there was no indication that such documents would be provided. At the time of the earlier visa refusals the ministry had not advised the Australian high commission of any details of their financial support."
Defending its decision to refuse visa to the team, it said fresh applications and visa fees are necessary as it was a legal requirement. "It is a legal requirement of the Australian government that visa fees are paid in order for an application to be valid. The high commission does not have the authority to waive fees," the statement said.
The Lawn Bowls Federation of India cancelled its month-long Commonwealth Games training programme in Sydney, alleging 'harassment' by the high commission, and said it was not willing to go through the process of resubmitting visas.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/commonwealth-games/Ministry-decision-surprises-Aussies/articleshow/6069436.cms
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