I recieved this 10 minutes ago
Dear All,
We received an email from XXXX this morning confirming that the DGCA are putting a stop to foreign co- pilots from June 1st 2008.
The reasons for this are supposed to be political due to the number of unemployed Indian nationals looking for an F/O position.
Initially we understood that provided a XXXX was based trained and security cleared before June 1 they could continue to fly on a temporary validation for 3 months. Any XXXX already in India with a temporary validation could extend to a further 9 months on passing Air Law. However we now understand that the DGCA want all foreign co-pilots to cease flying on June 1.
This is a considerable problem for XXXX as they are short of pilots. We are investigating any work arounds that we can but as of the moment we must assume that June 1 is the final date.
Like you we are very disappointed at this development. It is completely out of the control of XXXX and XXXX and may have been brought about by political pressure in an election year.
We will keep you informed of any developments.
Edited to say that I'm due to fly out tomorrow!!!