Now Reading: Hyderabad consumer panel orders visa firm to pay Rs 1.25 lakh
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Hyderabad consumer panel orders visa firm to pay Rs 1.25 lakh
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Hyderabad, has ordered Hash Overseas Consultancy to pay Rs 1.10 lakh compensation and Rs 15,000 in litigation costs to Hyderabad resident Naveen Kumar Muchintala. The August…
The Story in Brief
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Hyderabad, has ordered Hash Overseas Consultancy to pay Rs 1.10 lakh compensation and Rs 15,000 in litigation costs to Hyderabad resident Naveen Kumar Muchintala. The August 3 order found deficiency in service and unfair trade practice in handling his overseas visa and work permit application.
Muchintala said he paid Rs 50,000 in service fees and Rs 10,911 in immigration charges after being promised a visitor-to-work permit conversion within 90 days. The commission noted that his Canada application was rejected after an employee’s filing error. Though the consultancy later obtained an Australian visitor visa, the promised work permit conversion did not happen. The firm blamed policy changes, employer decisions and qualification issues. Payment is due within 45 days, failing which the compensation will attract 6% annual interest.
The Indian Opinion
The easy narrative that every failed overseas visa plan is simply a scam is too broad. Here, the commission found a specific filing error and held that a visitor visa alone did not meet the agreed purpose. The consultancy’s defence about policy changes and qualifications also points to the need for clear contracts that separate guaranteed services from uncertain outcomes. Consumers should check exactly what is promised, while agencies must document each filing step. The key test is whether the Rs 1.25 lakh order is paid within 45 days.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
