India Considers Strengthening Visa Requirements Amid Reports of Indians Engaging in Misbehavior Abroad

Indian Passport Holders' Behaviour Abroad Raises Concerns

A recent surge of videos showing Indians allegedly dancing or behaving inappropriately in public spaces abroad has sparked debate online, with concerns now being raised about its wider impact, including on visa rules.

Senior IPS officer Arun Bothra, who is currently serving as Additional DGP, CID Crime and Transport Commissioner in Odisha, expressed his concern on social media over the growing trend of such behaviour being recorded and shared widely.

Bothra suggested that people who damage the country's image through their conduct overseas should face consequences. He wrote on social media, "People whose behaviour abroad brings a bad name to the country should face some consequences. In serious cases, restrictions on foreign travel for some years can also be considered."

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He stressed that an Indian passport comes with responsibility and is not only a privilege. He highlighted the need to respect local laws and maintain proper behaviour while travelling abroad. "Having an Indian passport is not just a right. It also comes with the responsibility to respect local laws, behave properly in public, and protect the country's image," he said.

His remarks come amid several viral videos showing groups of Indians dancing in public places in countries such as Vietnam and the United States. Some social media users have also claimed instances of tourists creating disturbances in public spaces, including speaking loudly or engaging in petty misconduct while travelling.

Responding to a user who suggested that Indians should not be concerned about foreign opinions, the IPS officer clarified that his worry was linked to possible policy changes affecting travel. He pointed to concerns that such behaviour could make travel more difficult for Indian citizens in the future.

Visa Rules are Getting Tougher

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He also referred to examples where countries have tightened entry rules. He said that repeated incidents of inappropriate behaviour could influence visa policies for all travellers from India. In his response, he wrote, "No, I am not worried about what foreigners think of uncivilised and uncouth behaviour of some of us. What worries me more is that because of such behaviour, visa rules are getting tougher for all Indians. Thailand is a recent example."

He further added a cautionary note about how such actions are perceived abroad. "I just don't want people in host countries to look at us nervously, wondering which one of us will suddenly start dancing in a supermarket to make a reel," he added.

Note: The table above shows examples of inappropriate behaviour by Indian tourists in different countries.