Overview
- Orsini was stopped by immigration at Delhi’s IGI Airport after arriving from Hong Kong and sent back the same night despite holding a valid five‑year e‑visa.
- She said no reason was given at the airport, while government sources later said she has been on a blacklist since March 2025 for violating tourist‑visa conditions.
- Officials and reports noted that conducting research or speaking in academic settings on a tourist visa breaches rules, and that formal research requires an ‘R’ visa.
- Her removal prompted strong criticism from academics and public figures, who argued the action discourages scholarly exchange and undermines academic freedom.
- The case echoes earlier denials of entry for scholars including Filippo Osella, Lindsay Bremner and Nitasha Kaul, and the UK embassy said it is seeking clarification.