TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Russian Consulate has refuted charges by Goa government that some of its citizens illegally operate as tourist guides in the State maintaining they are official interpreters.
In the last tourist season, six Russian ‘tourist guides’ were arrested, fined Rs 10,000 each as per the Tourism Trade Act and subsequently deported to their hometown for operating without proper licenses. However, Russian officials argue they were interpreters associated with their country’s travel agencies.
“They were interpreters who are required to be with groups of Russians tourists for any kind of emergency assistance or general information,” legal advisor to Russian Consulate in Goa Advocate Vikram Varma told Herald. He added that these Russian interpreters, on business visas, are an essential link with travel agencies to provide assistance to Russians touring a foreign nation.
While in the ongoing season there have not been any complaints about illegal operations of tourist service agencies, the very first week of January 2014 saw two Russians – Pater Kuller and Daria Muchinkova – arrested for guiding a group of Russian tourists at the Dudhsagar waterfalls. Earlier, another Inna Navroupiya was arrested for guiding Russian tourists at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.
Locally registered tourists guides are up in arms against the Russians who blatantly violate the Indian laws.
“The tourism department does not have the required 600-odd Russian interpreters to assist the large volume of Russian tourists,” Varma claimed. He added, “Every group of Russians who visits India finds it essential to have an interpreter. If that is denied they would certainly cancel and go to other destinations where they can do the sightseeing with interpreters.”
Industry stakeholders have lent their support to the Russian interpreters provided they posses valid visa and other required documents. Travel and Tourism Association (TTAG) spokesman Ralph D’Souza said the gap prevailing for 10 years needs to be filled. “No local knows the Russian language. If at all there are, they are brought by tour operators who return later. This creates a huge gap. There are some who freelance without possessing correct visa,” he said.
He supported inviting Russian interpreters stating ‘it is a strong requirement provided they operate legally.’
His views were partly supported by charter operator Bush Miranda maintaining they do not want illegalities in the State.
On the other hand, he contended that the six Russians were indeed illegal tourist guides, which if not, Goa government would not be able to deport them without any hassle. “Government has the proof,” Miranda said.
In the wake of legal issues being faced by Russian tourists in Goa, the Russian Information Centre had last year issued guidelines on employment norms in India.
