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• India to host conference of all Indian-origin parliamentarians

  India is all set to host a conference of all the Indian-origin parliamentarians in the world on January 9, 2018 in New Delhi. Mr. Dnyaneshwar M Mulay, the secretary of Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs shed light on the development. He did so while speaking in an interaction session with media persons, which was organized by the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents (IAFAC). It needs to be mentioned that in all there are 285 parliamentarians of Indian origin in different parts of the world. What holds more significance is that out of the 285, 70 parliamentarians are either prime ministers, ministers or speakers of the country where they reside in.

  Mr Mulay who informed of the development also shed light on other developments of his department, which was created recently by the Ministry of External Affairs. He stated that the ministry had received over 26,000 grievances from Indians residing in other countries in the last year, out of which over 20,000 had been resolved. The secretary also spoke regarding the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), various government schemes undertaken for the benefits of workers, OCI cards among others.

  

  28th December 2017

• MOEA introduces new visa category for researchers and entrepreneurs

  Providing visas for entrepreneurs and researchers across the world who are willing to visit India is now hassle-free. Visas will be provided based on criteria such as innovation in technology sector, job creation portal, and to ease dissemination of products and services among others.

  However, one should understand that there is no provision for permanent residence, as of now. There is the availability of either business or employment visas for entrepreneurs who are visiting India. Those who avail these visas have to undergo police annual registration and should mandatorily visit their home country for the visa renewal process.

  Indian government’s decision of introducing a new visa category has helped a lot of people across the world as people who wanted to visit India for research reasons had always preferred to take up tourist visas and conduct research informally. This is because applying for research visas was always complicated and time-consuming.

  

  12 September 2017

• Government Revamps E-visa Scheme for International Travellers

  Recently, the Indian government announced a revamp of the E-Visa scheme for international travellers visiting India including those visiting from New Zealand. This is for travellers who are looking to visit solely for purposes like recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet relatives or friends, for a short duration medical treatment or for a casual business visit. This visa facility is being offered in addition to visa services already being offered at the Indian High Commission in Wellington. This E-visa application process is based online and does not require any service of an intermediary or agent. Due to this, the High Commission is advising travelers to be wary about any unscrupulous elements who may claim to offer a speedy or express E-visa service and charge travelers with fees for a non-existent service.

  

  27 June 2017

• Mizoram Intends to Open Border and Offer Visa-Free Entry for At least 60 Kilometres

  Lal Thanhalwa, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, has announced his intentions to keep the India-Myanmar border open. He has also revealed that the centre should be reverted to the limit of 60 kilometres on either side for visa-free entry instead of the current 16 kilometres.

  In a presentation last week, he said “We do not know about our neighbouring states. But for us here in Mizoram, owing to our close ethnic ties, we would be happy if the earlier practice [60 km free zone and period of stay up 60 days instead of 72 hours] is restored.”

  

  21 June 2017

• India Hopeful Of Positive Spin From US Visa Re-Haul

  The Indian government was hopeful that the U.S. review of its H-1B visa program would take into account how Indian companies and individuals have cemented bilateral ties and contributed to the American economy.

  With the United States reviewing its work visa program, a number of Indian companies were apprehensive of a reduction in the number of visas to be issued in future.

  With 17% of the total number of H-1B visas issued being allocated to India, companies and the government were waiting with bated breath for news of any changes to the visa program.

  With the rise in protectionism among legislators in America, the review was seen as a hostile step by many countries whose citizens benefit from the work permit program.

  However, Indian officials have cautioned against giving in to rumour-mongering regarding any proposed changes and are confident India will benefit from any changes.

  

  22 May 2017

• eVisa Facility to Start at Pune Airport

  The government will start the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) facility at Pune airport by the end of this month. It will allow foreign tourists to land at the Lohegaon airport. They can also apply for an eTV just 4 days before their arrival date. At present, this facility is available at 16 Indian airports. The infrastructure required for starting this service has been set up. The airport authorities are also planning to construct a new terminal and renovate the old terminal building.

  

  17 March 2017

• Now foreigners with e-visa can visit India through five seaports

  In addition to the 16 major airports in India, another five seaports will be enabled for receiving e-visa holders to India. Using an e-visa, a foreigner can visit India for tourism, business, medical treatment, meeting, and conferences. The e-visa is processed online and issued in an e-mail within 48 hours of application. The seaports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Mangalore, and Goa are selected as the airports to receive the e-visa facility. By providing the e-visa authorized seaport as an option, the government may expect to boost trade and exports which are essential to the Indian economy. Currently, the foreigners from 150 countries are eligible to apply for an Indian e-visa, please visit the MEA website for more information.

  

  27 December 2016

• The Most Common Mistake to Avoid on an Overseas Trip

  Mistakes by travelers on international trips often end up getting their plans cancelled. In a recent incident a couple on their honeymoon were denied boarding tickets as Husband’s name was missing in wife’s passport while the same was entered in her visa. Travel industry analysts suggest that it’s safe to carry marriage documents when spouse’s name is missing in the passport, especially while planning long distance journeys. For those without marriage certificate, a marriage photograph or an affidavit will suffice most of the times. According to a Delhi based travel agent, a good number of people are deported back from their tour destinations due to such avoidable mistakes.

  

  20 October 2016

• Government to Boost Medical Tourism by Fast Tracking e-Visas for Patients

  In a move aimed at simplifying the process of providing visa for patients seeking medical treatment in India, the centre will shortly announce electronic clearance of visa services to ensure timely intervention.

  The change in process is likely to come into effect after the current session of parliament. An official announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be made shortly, helping applicants from 150 countries to send online applications for visa on medical grounds with copies of medical paperwork issued by government accredited hospitals in the applicant’s country. The biometrics of the visa seeker will be collected on arrival.

  This move is in line with Niti Aayog’s roadmap vision to achieve an annual growth of 10 percent in medical tourism. As per reports, the country’s medical tourism has a growth potential of $8 billion by 2020 from the current worth at $3 billion. At present ,India competes with other nations in Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore in this sector.

  

  4 May 2016