The longest serving Indian-origin MP in the United Kingdom, Keith Vaz has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting measures for addressing concerns of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) in the UK affected by the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

The Indian government ban over the notes from circulation means British Indians and NRIs with rupees brought back to the Britain would be required to fly to India to exchange their currency before the December 30 deadline.

Indian-origin MP said that, "The Indian government should be commended on this bold and courageous policy, and I completely understand why they have taken these steps. However, the rupee recall has inadvertently caused concern and distress to many members of the Indian diaspora community who live abroad who fear they will be unable to exchange their currency by the deadline in December."

The senior Labour party MP noted summarizing his suggestions, that, "I have therefore written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a three-point plan to address the concerns of the diaspora. The first priority is to extend the deadline to after the summer holidays in 2017."

"It would also be practical and beneficial for British Indians to be able to exchange this currency in UK banks, and until this issue has been addressed I have asked that a Special Envoy to the diaspora is appointed to the High Commission in London.”

"Concerns have also been raised that the money withdrawn by UK citizens on holiday in India for the cricket is now unusable, and addressing this issue now will prevent them from being frustrated and unsatisfied with their experience in India."

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Nandini