India mounts high-level challenge to US visa chargesPost by Cameron Davidson on 12th April 2012 in Working abroad India has complained to the World Trade Organisation over the cost of American work visas. It is claiming that the level of charges makes it difficult for skilled Indian workers to get a visa entitling them to go the work in America. The country's officials' claim centres on a move in 2010 which almost doubled visa fees for skilled workers, to $4,500 (£2,825). However discussions on the matter are said to be sensitive, as the US is also taking action at the World Trade Organisation, claiming that an import ban imposed by India on American poultry, eggs and milk – which the former claims are part of its efforts to tackle bird flu – are not backed up scientifically. Reuters news agency says the spat threatens to jeopardise trading relationships which have flourished since 1991 when India opened up its economy to outside investors, but have deteriorated in recent years as both countries have claimed they face unreasonable barriers to expanding their trade and investment.
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