“Due to our lighting and quality of photo background, we unfortunately CAN NOT take INDIAN photos!” the sign read
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Many customers were shocked after an Australia Post store in Adelaide erected a sign informing customers they could not take “Indian” photos. The store, which takes photographs for passports, had placed a sign on display to warn customers they could not take “Indian” photos, according to a report from news.com.au.
“Due to our lighting and quality of photo background, we unfortunately CAN NOT take INDIAN photos!” the sign read.
The sign, which was later shared to social media, apologised for the “inconvenience” and directed customers to a different location. “The nearest photo place is Camera House on 120 Grenfell Street. We apologise for the inconvenience,” it read.
Shocked customers shared the images on social media where hundreds of angry people commented.
“So it’s only Indians? Other races with dark complexions OK?”
“How hard is it to change the settings?”
However, others jumped to the defence of Australia Post, saying Indian passport regulations required a different kind of photograph to gain approval.
“It’s likely because the Indian passport office is really finicky about their photo regulations, that’s probably what they meant,” one person said. Another man shared his experience working for a “place that did passport photos” but said the sign was stupid.
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In a statement, an Australia Post spokesperson said they were disappointed in the way the sign was worded, especially as a large portion of the company is culturally diverse
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“Australia Post apologises unreservedly to the community for any offence caused by an unauthorised sign recently displayed at Rundle Mall Post Office.”
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“As soon as we were made aware, we immediately removed the sign and have spoken with the team member concerned.”
“Indian passports require a 51x51mm size which is different to cut/print to Aussie passport shots. They also prefer off white background colour too instead of pure white like Australia. It’s quite picky and can be annoying for an employee not set up to do it properly and regularly,” he said.
“It’s just a very poorly worded sign, please chill out,” said another user.
In a statement, an Australia Post spokesperson said they were disappointed in the way the sign was worded, especially as a large portion of the company is culturally diverse. “Australia Post apologises unreservedly to the community for any offence caused by an unauthorised sign recently displayed at Rundle Mall Post Office. “As soon as we were made aware, we immediately removed the sign and have spoken with the team member concerned.
“While the wording of this sign is inexcusable, we understand the Indian Consulate had rejected a number of customers’ passport photos provided by this Post Office. We have reached out the High Commission of India to understand the issue with the photographs, so we can rectify this urgently. Although no offence was intended, this lapse in judgment falls well below the standard we expect from Australia Post team members.
“It’s especially disappointing given Australia Post prides itself on its commitment to inclusion and diversity both across our workforce and within our communities. We are fully investigating the issue and will take appropriate action.”