The Hindu Business Line : Corporates seek special immigration, customs at airports

Indian industry may be ready to do business with the world, but sections in corporate India are clear that the privilege being sought of separate customs and immigration facility for corporates when arriving on their private jets be an exclusively swadeshi club.

Corporate jet

In a communication to the Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj Patil, the President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and the Chairman and Managing Director of Videocon Industries, Mr Venugopal Dhoot, has pointed out that having such a facility for corporates would help cut down time spent at the airport and costs, thereby, optimising the benefits of having a corporate jet.

The chamber, however, has recommended that this facility not be available for foreign national arriving on private aircraft who should be asked to go through the regular immigration and customs facilities.

Special facilities

Sources point out that while such special facilities are available in the UK and the US, Indian corporates often face a tough time when they reach these airports. The suggestion comes at a time when many Indian corporate houses are purchasing private jets for their travels both in India and abroad.

“Global operations of Indian companies have been increasing at an unprecedented scale which demands more mobility from the top management. In such a situation having a private jet acts as a facilitator,” said a top company official.

The chamber has suggested that at the existing airports, a separate gate be earmarked with necessary customs and immigration facilities for corporate fliers. “To start with, the facility may be provided at Mumbai airport. As setting up such a facility would cost monies, this could be recovered by levying some charges on the users,” the communication adds.

When contacted, an Assocham spokesperson confirmed that the chamber President had written to the Union Home Minister but did not share details of the communication.

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