Thx for the advice, all. I'm not all that worried about the 2010 expiry issues. My wife is Indian, I have been going there for nearly 10 years since we try to raise our children there half the time. If we decide to stay, I suppose I can always convert my licenses and work as the spouse of an Indian (so I am told). As I said, I am only interested in the next 18-24 months. What happens after that (getting kicked out or whatever) I am prepared to deal with. My company is offering leaves and India is the only place I want to work. Most other pilots who are taking the leave offer tell me they are going to China, The Far East and M.E. If I can get a decent 73NG gig there I plan on taking it. I spoke with SJ a couple of months back. They were willing to take me but since then have heard read they are cutting back significantly. In the meantime, a contract company is offering me AI Express. Any thoughts there?