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Ms Manju Seth, Consul General of India in Reunion Island
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“Reunion’s presence in India needs to go up”
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On the sidelines of a conference organized by ODI Colloquium organized in Reunion Island, Ms Seth spoke to India Empire
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On her impressions on Reunion Island…
This is a very nice island. One gets a small town feel at times with all the old world charms. And yet, there is much modern infrastructure and facilities. The people of this island are very nice. There is, of course, a huge Indian origin community here.
On the aspirations of the Indian community in this Island…
One of the biggest aspirations is to reconnect with India. Most of the Indians here are 4th generation.
On the technicality of granting PIO cards…
It is true that there is a technical issue when it comes to granting them PIO cards. The ancestors of these Indians of course came from India, but the documentation in many cases is not in place due to historical reasons. They have been talking to the Government of India, they have been raising this issue at the PBD, but so far things have not worked out. We are trying to find ways in which they can overcome the present impasse. There is a Tracing the Roots programme of the Government of India, and we are trying to see if that can help them in eventually receiving PIO cards. People of 4th generations in other countries have been granted PIO cards as have been others elsewhere in the world.
On the presence of Indian companies…
 There are only two representative offices of Indian companies, Electro Steel and Ajanta Offset, thus far in Reunion Island. Even in France, there are just about 90-100 Indian companies. One of the biggest reasons for the lack of presence is that Reunion is not known in India. Then the rules and regulations are stringent. It is not easy to expand business here, and the tax regime does not help. Mayotte, an Indian Ocean island that has recently been declared an Overseas Department of France (at par with Reunion Island), could present opportunities for Indian companies willing to do business. It would have to be spruced up in terms of infrastructure and facilities to meet standards specified for a French department.
On the current visa regime…
We are discussing the relaxation of the current visa regime. It is not easy for Indians to enter Reunion Island. We are trying to see whether those with Schengen visas (applicable for 25 European countries, including France) can visit Reunion. Similarly, a visa to Reunion does not enable a traveler to enter Europe. We are also discussing whether Indians visiting Mauritius (about 150 km away) can be allowed visa on arrival if they wish to visit Reunion Island.
On connectivity with India…
The number of people travelling from Reunion Island to India has been going up steadily. A weekly flight to India—that is to Chennai and onward to Delhi----has been discussed, and is on the agenda. Also, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recently opened an office in Chennai, and it is in order that another one in Delhi follows.
On the participation of young Indians at the Know India Programme…
The numbers thus far have not been very significant. I’ve a feeling that the presence of young Indian people in Reunion Island is not very large because many of them are studying in mainland France. By the time they return after their studies that normally take much longer than in India, they are no longer eligible for the Programme. The age limit for applying is 28. We have publicized the programme adequately at the Consulate. Besides, the inability to speak English fluently could be a deterrent. But I am not certain if these are the only reasons.
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July 2012
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