New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Amid reports that Indian missions have been asked to toughen screening for female visa applicants from central Asian countries, the government has clarified that there was no attempt to target anyone and standard procedures were being followed.

“We welcome tourists from all regions. There is no attempt to target anyone or any section wishing to come to India,” official sources said.

“Standard procedures are being followed while processing visa requests. If there is suspicion, we look into their antecedents to find out whether an applicant has criminal background or what his or her motives are,” the sources said.

The clarification came amid reports that Indian missions in central Asian nations such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, as well as in Ukraine and Russia have been directed by the external affairs ministry to scan female visa applicants, who are 15-40 years, to filter out potential sex workers.

Around 40,000-45,000 tourists from central Asia are estimated to travel to India every year. Official estimates say there are 3,000-3,500 sex workers from Commonwealth of Independent States countries in Delhi alone, many of whom illegally stay back in India.