Indian Government Makes Sweeping changes to Visa Regulations

In order to protect the India’s labour force, the government has introduced some strict new guidelines for business and work permits.  There have also been changes for tourist visas but these are primarily to do with internal security.

Business Visa.  With immediate effect business visas will not be granted to foreign nationals wishing to start a project in India. The conditions under which a business visa will be granted are found in guidelines produced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.  Such visas will only be granted if the business proposition is considered to be relevant, and visas will no longer be issued to foreigners as a way of extending their visas.

Employment Visa. These will only be issued to foreign nationals who are considered to be highly skilled, or are employed at high managerial levels.  The number of employment visas issued will be limited to 1% of the total workforce engaged on a project in India. Only the Minister for Labour and Employment can grant additional visas.