ISLAMABAD, April 2: The Indian High Commission has initiated steps aimed at facilitating the process for issuing visas to bona fide business travellers.

According to a press release, a drop box service will be available to applicants from April 7. Business visa seekers can now deposit their passports with complete applications with Gerrys/FedEx for their onward submission to the high commission.

Passports will be returned to applicants by Gerrys/FedEx within 21 days. Inquiries about these applications should be directed to Gerrys/FedEx.

Gerrys/FedEx will charge Rs500 per applicant but it will be Rs300 for Islamabad-based applicants. The normal visa fee of Rs15 per applicant will also be collected.

The drop box service will be operated by Gerrys/FedEx offices at Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Hyderabad and Quetta.

Complete visa application forms to be deposited with Gerrys/FedEx should accompany letters of invitation, details of business dealings in India and of the applicant's company in Pakistan.

Business visa seekers can also apply directly at the high commission where a separate counter will continue to function from 10am to 11am on weekdays for the purpose.