Government faces prospect of Indian diplomat claiming refugee status

The future of India's sacked High Commissioner Harish Dogra remained uncertain last night as the Government revoked his diplomatic visa and considered the awkward possibility of an application for refugee status.

Prime Minister Helen Clark told reporters she had not been advised of any move by Mr Dogra to seek asylum.

"The Immigration Service would process any application from him in the normal way," she said.

"Our request, of course, would be that he get his affairs in order and leave in accordance with the wishes of his Government."

India's Foreign Ministry confirmed last night it had stripped Mr Dogra of his credentials and his successor, K.P. Ernest, would take up his position soon.

"It's very awkward for everybody," Helen Clark said.

"I understand the new High Commissioner will be taking up office here next and hopes to have his credentials accepted around the middle of next week."

Mr Dogra's wife, Neeta Dogra, told India's PTI news agency yesterday the family was considering seeking protection from the New Zealand Government because of threats received from their homeland.

"I haven't been advised of that," Helen Clark said.

"The Indian Government has now formally revoked his diplomatic status here and we are in the process therefore of revoking the diplomatic visa."

She said the diplomatic visa was valid for the length of Mr Dogra's posting.

"The posting has just been summarily ended. It means his visa status comes to an end, so unless he applies for a different visa, and that has to be processed, he would be expected to go."

Mr Dogra is still occupying the official residence, although he was not there late yesterday and it was not certain when he would return.

Helen Clark said no request had been made by Indian authorities for Mr Dogra to be removed from the residence.

"I understand he is still in the home ... but no, we haven't received any request for an eviction," she said.

"I'm not sure whether such a request would be made."

Mr Dogra was sacked after a row with his Government, which included publication of a defiant letter in which he accused Indian Foreign Secretary Shayam Saran of "impropriety" and called for his resignation.

He had previously refused a recall order, which followed months of controversy about the service offered by the High Commission and complaints from some sections of the Indian community.

- NZPA