AIRPORT IMMIGRATION PROCESS
Fast-track immigration in India: Eligibility, registration and key details explained
India's Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme is now operational at 13 airports, allowing eligible Indian citizens and OCI cardholders to use automated e-gates for faster immigration clearance. This free service utilizes biometric verification for both departures and arrivals, aiming to reduce queues and improve passenger flow.
Indian among second group of migrants deported from US and taken in by Costa Rica
Costa Rica has received a second group of 30 third-country nationals deported from the United States, including an Indian national, as part of a bilateral agreement. This follows an initial group of 25 deportees. These individuals are offered voluntary return programs or the option to apply for legal residency in Costa Rica.
Who is Meenu Batra? The 53-year-old Indian-origin interpreter detained by ICE after 35 years in the US
Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old Indian-origin legal interpreter, was detained by ICE in Texas while traveling for a legal case. Despite having valid work authorization and a past withholding of removal, she was questioned about her legal status and a deportation order. Her lawyer is challenging her detention, citing due process concerns.
Middle East crisis sparks a new fear: Not being able to fly
Amid rising tensions linked to the Gulf War, concerns over air travel are shifting from fear of flying to fear of not flying at all. Sudden spikes in fuel prices, disrupted flight routes, and geopolitical uncertainty are making travel unpredictable and costly. While air travel is often seen as routine, global crises reveal its fragility, highlighting how access to flights remains limited and vulnerable to events beyond passengers’ control.
US could stop processing international travelers at some airports in 'sanctuary cities'
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin suggested customs officials could halt international traveler processing at major U.S. airports in "sanctuary cities" that refuse to cooperate with immigration policies. This potential move, aimed at cities defying federal immigration laws, could significantly disrupt trade and tourism, impacting major hubs like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Iran and immigration frustrations fuel new wave of 'No Kings' rallies
Thousands of "No Kings" rallies occurred nationwide Saturday, denouncing President Trump's agenda and policies. Protesters voiced concerns over mass deportation, voting restrictions, diversity attacks, the war in Iran, and soaring gas prices. Demonstrations spanned from Alaska to Puerto Rico, with organizers claiming millions participated.
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DHS shutdown enters its 40th day: Senate moves to end deadlock — what happens next
The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has entered its 40th day, amplifying political strains in the Senate. A proposal backed by Donald Trump to fund most DHS operations while delaying ICE funding initially featured promise but quickly faced bipartisan opposition. Republicans like Josh Hawley rejected any cuts to ICE, while Democrats led by Chuck Schumer demanded major reforms. Negotiations remain stalled, with both sides preparing counteroffers.
ICE agents at some airports begin checking IDs in security lines
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now helping Transportation Security Administration officers at airports. This move aims to reduce lengthy security queues. The TSA faces a worker shortage due to the ongoing government shutdown. ICE agents are performing identification checks and other screening tasks. This deployment is intended to improve travel efficiency for passengers.
Cabinet clears Rs 30,640 crore package for connectivity, immigration revamp, climate targets
India is set to boost regional air travel with the revamped UDAN 2.0 scheme. This initiative will develop 100 new airports and 200 helipads, focusing on tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Additionally, the IVFRT 3.0 scheme will modernize immigration and visa processes. These combined efforts aim to improve connectivity and ease of travel for all.
Cabinet clears Rs 1,800 crore plan to modernise India's immigration system
The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,800 crore plan to modernize the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for five years from April 2026. This initiative aims to enhance immigration and visa services, bolster national security, and facilitate travel through advanced technology and streamlined processes.
When a narcissist goes to war
President Donald Trump's actions regarding Iran and domestic issues show a striking absence of planning. His administration appears surprised by reactions, failing to anticipate consequences. This approach, driven by a narcissistic worldview, leaves opponents with opportunities. The president's inability to see opposition as real or capable of action creates vulnerabilities. His leadership style leads to unpredictable outcomes.
UAE permits re-entry for residents with expired visas, waives fines until March 31
Good news for UAE residents abroad. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security is allowing those with expired residency visas to return. This special rule is in effect until March 31, 2026. Fines for expired visas during this period will be waived. Residents can then renew their status upon arrival. This aims to ease travel disruptions.
Trump administration to restart Global Entry Program for citizens, Green Card holders
The Trump administration is restarting the Global Entry program. This program offers expedited processing for international travelers returning to the United States. The program was paused due to a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The department blamed Democrats for the shutdown. This move comes amid ongoing funding disputes between Republicans and Democrats.
I hope it's the first and last experience: PV Sindhu on Dubai ordeal
Indian badminton star PV Sindhu faced a stressful three-day ordeal in Dubai. Airspace closures due to international conflict stranded her, forcing her to miss the All England Championships. She described the experience as scary but expressed relief at her safe return to India. The Badminton World Federation waived her penalty for the withdrawal.
A drug cartel with tanks, drones and sophisticated weapons — here’s how Mexico’s deadly CJNG operated under El Mencho
El Mencho killed in Mexico raid: $15 million bounty target El Mencho is dead. Mexican forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in a Puerto Vallarta military raid backed by U.S. intelligence. Authorities seized rocket launchers, armored vehicles, and drones. Airports shut. Highways burned. CJNG is a major fentanyl trafficking network tied to the U.S. overdose crisis. Officials now warn of cartel retaliation and a dangerous power vacuum in Mexico.
TSA agents are working without pay at US airports due to another shutdown
A Department of Homeland Security shutdown is impacting TSA operations, raising concerns among travelers about potential flight delays and long security lines. While air traffic controllers are unaffected, TSA officers are expected to work without pay, increasing the risk of unscheduled absences and disruptions as lawmakers remain in disagreement over funding.
Homeland Security Shutdown: Here’s how a DHS funding lapse could impact everyday Americans
The United States has slipped into its third partial federal funding lapse in six months, though this time the disruption is confined to one agency: the Department of Homeland Security.
Pune flyers may soon benefit from govt's fast track immigration system
International passengers flying out of Pune airport may soon experience shorter immigration waits. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol will advocate for the Fast Track Immigration system. This initiative aims to expedite clearance for pre-verified travelers. Discussions are underway with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The program is already operational at several other Indian airports.
How a government shutdown impacts you — from paychecks to benefits and services
The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to fund Homeland Security. Defense and health agencies began orderly closures. Social Security and Medicare remain protected. Flights continue, but risks are rising. FEMA funds are limited. IRS operations are temporary. Immigration policy drives the standoff. Lawmakers race against time.
Faster immigration clearance programme in 7 more airports from Jan 16; check details here
A fast-track immigration process for pre-verified Indian nationals and OCI cardholders will be introduced at seven major airports from Thursday. This initiative aims to make international travel seamless and secure, facilitating faster immigration clearance through e-gates for registered travelers.
CIAL to launch smart gates for international travellers, self-immigration process in 20 seconds
This state-of-the-art facility will be launched by August 2024, CIAL said on Thursday and added that it has begun an infrastructure makeover at the immigration area, dedicating eight lanes to biometric e-gates, enabling international travellers to complete the immigration process by themselves in 20 seconds. The facility was rolled out at Delhi International Airport in June.
India launches trusted traveller programme for faster immigration
Home minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This facility will be available free of cost for all passengers, Shah said.
Special programme to fast-track immigration services launched; All you need to know
The FTI-TTP will be launched at 21 major airports in the country. In the first phase, along with the Delhi airport, it will be launched at seven major airports -- Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad.
Delhi Airport becomes first Indian airport to launch Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme
Delhi Airport introduced the Government of India's Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme for Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders. The programme offers expedited emigration/immigration clearance with eight electronic gates at Terminal 3. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the programme. Applicants must pay a processing fee and undergo biometric verification, with the initiative aiming to streamline airport congestion.
Delhi Airport sets biometric gate for faster immigration check
Delhi International Airport has introduced biometric registration kiosks for faster immigration processing, under the supervision of the Bureau of Immigration. The kiosks will halve the time required to process visas for foreign nationals arriving in India with a visa where biometric information was not collected during the application process.
DIAL sets up biometric registration kiosks for faster immigration processing
Delhi International Airport Limited introduced biometric registration kiosks supervised by the Bureau of Immigration for faster immigration processing. These kiosks, currently operational at the international arrival pier, expedite the process for foreign nationals without prior biometric data.
Smooth flying: India plans to simplify immigration checks for international trips
The Indian government aims to develop airports as transit hubs for South Asia, incorporating a strategy called the confluence of flights. This allows travelers on connecting flights under the same ticket number, or PNR, to complete customs and immigration checks at their initial departure point and final destination, bypassing intermediary checks during layovers.
Airports prepare to fasten transit for international passengers
Indian airports are planning to streamline the airport journeys for international passengers by leveraging biometrics, cross-utilization of X-ray machines, and increasing the number of security and immigration personnel.
International passengers flag long queues at Delhi's immigration counters; government promises relief
Noting an overcrowding-like situation in Delhi airport, a senior official in the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Thursday said that the average time for departure immigration at the airport is around 20 minutes, but sometimes it gets delayed due to the rebalancing of manpower.
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