Far-reaching decisions
The Indian authorities have taken a decision to extend business visa for a period up to 15 years. Additionally, the holders can convert a regular visa to the medical category when there is an emergency.
Additionally, there is Relaxation in granting Internship Visa that a student can get while pursuing an academic course in India without any remuneration. There are other matters like, extending Business Visa for more than five years, converting visa into the medical categorization in case of emergency for all foreigners who have arrived in India. Yet another feature is the permit to foreigners, who reach the country, for a long duration visa for attending conferences. These details were announced by Rajiv Gauba, the Union Home Secretary.
E-visas issued have marvelous growth
The e-visas issued have also seen marvelous growth increasing from 5.17 lakh in 2015 to 21 lakh in Nov 2018. There is a likelihood that a business visa can go beyond 15 years. This will happen for five years at a single instance.
The objective of the government was creating a visa regime that is hassle-free and simple for facilitating the arrival/ stay of all categories of travellers. Additionally, there are many policy initiatives for liberalizing the visa regime. These are based on the suggestions and concerns of stakeholders as well as of various ministries, like the Civil Aviation, Health, Tourism, and Higher Education.
Strengthening security
A visa regime that is welcoming and friendly, forms the core of ease of doing business.
Simultaneously, the Official also said, that there was a need to strengthen security to using modern technology. The e-FRRO module was launched recently, which offers 27 services related to visa to the foreigners. Finally, there was no need for foreigners to pay a visit to the Foreigner Regional Registration Offices, for extension of their stay, or for changing visa status.
The e-visa presently extends cover to 166 countries. Moreover, the foreigners can get the online visa in 72 hours, for all types of travel, covering the sectors of Business, Tourism, Health, Medical Purpose and attending Conferences.
