IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE
Ireland extends UK visa-linked travel waiver ahead of Christmas; are Indians eligible?
Ireland is extending its Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme until December 31, 2026. Nationals from eligible countries, including India, can travel to Ireland without needing an Irish visa after obtaining a UK short-stay visa. Entry into Ireland allows a stay of up to 90 days, subject to the discretion of immigration officers at the port. This initiative aims to expand travel opportunities for visitors worldwide.
Bolsonaro claims to be Brazil's 'elected president' after fleeing to US; Trump says he 'won't get involved'
Flavio Bolsonaro, Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate, began self-imposed exile in the United States on Wednesday. He maintains that he is the legitimate head of state, despite losing to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro made his way to the US after facing corruption inquiries and issued statements of electoral fraud. Lula condemned his exit, calling it shameful, and highlighted concerns over his intentions.
ED arrests Delhi-based ticketing agent in 'Dunkey Route case' linked to Indians deported from USA in Feb 2025
Tarun Khosla, a Delhi-based ticketing agent, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in October 2025. He was involved in facilitating illegal immigration through the Dunkey Route, which includes dangerous crossings. The ED's investigation revealed Khosla's coordination with various agents and local contacts in South America. Over 300 Indians were deported from the USA after illegally entering via this route.
SIR row: Former Bengaluru Police chief, ex-BJP candidate seeks probe into Dhruv Rathee’s visa status
Bhaskar Rao has requested the Union Home Ministry to verify Dhruv Rathee's citizenship and immigration status. This request follows Rathee's participation in a protest against the Election Commission of India. Rao expressed concerns about foreign nationals participating in organized political demonstrations in India.
Foreign nationals don't have inherent right to seek entry into India: Delhi HC
Delhi High Court has ruled that foreign nationals do not have an inherent right to enter India. The court stated that holding a visa does not guarantee unconditional entry into the country. A woman's plea for entry was dismissed after concerns about her travel history were raised.
Campbell Wilson on Air India: 'Wonderful experience' and a 'privilege' to be part of its history; wishes airline a world-class future
Former Air India CEO and MD Wilson described his tenure as a privilege and wished Air India well in its journey to becoming a world-class airline. The transition comes amid scrutiny over an alleged immigration lapse involving three foreign nationals who reportedly left Delhi airport without completing mandatory clearance, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking an explanation from the airline.
Centre summons Air India CEO over alleged immigration lapse involving 3 foreign nationals at Delhi airport: Sources
The Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned the Air India CEO regarding an immigration lapse. Three foreign nationals reportedly left India without mandatory clearance at Delhi airport. The ministry sought an explanation and issued a show-cause notice to the airline. This incident is considered a serious security and immigration-related lapse. Air India's chairman recently emphasized safety and trust as key priorities.
He lived in the US for 30 years & was seeking citizenship — then ICE detained the 76-year-old at his interview as his cancer treatment hung in the balance
A 76-year-old Filipino national was detained by immigration officials during his citizenship interview. He had lived in the United States for thirty years and was seeking naturalization. The man is currently undergoing treatment for advanced prostate cancer and requires ongoing medical care. His family and advocates express concern over his detention and disrupted medical treatment. They are now pushing for his release while his immigration case continues.
Flying abroad from India? No more boarding pass stamping from September 1: Here’s what changes at immigration counters
Beginning September 1, international travelers leaving India will enjoy a more efficient immigration process as boarding pass stamping will no longer be required. Passengers can now present a physical or digital boarding pass, easing their departure experience. The Bureau of Immigration has communicated this new directive to all airport personnel, streamlining operations for smoother travel.
India to scrap boarding pass stamping for international flyers from Sept 1
Physical boarding passes will no longer require stamping at Indian airports. Passengers must present e-boarding passes on smartphones for immigration clearance. This change aims to reduce passenger inconvenience and reported stamping errors. The Bureau of Immigration has issued this directive to airport authorities nationwide. Physical boarding passes will still be accepted but will not be stamped.
US immigration delays worsen and denial rates climb as USCIS backlog surges to 11.3 million
US immigration applicants face longer waits and higher rejection rates as the USCIS backlog reached 11.3 million cases. Average backlog clearance time nearly doubled to 18.6 months, while the overall denial rate rose to 12.2%, with sharper increases in some employment-based categories.
Over 9 million passengers clear Dubai airport immigration in six months via Smart Gates; clearance time drops to 3.4 seconds
Dubai's smart travel system processed over 9.4 million passengers in early 2026. Smart Gates facilitated immigration for over nine million travellers during this period. The AI-powered Red Carpet service offered faster clearance for eligible passengers. This advanced technology significantly reduced immigration processing times for travellers. Dubai's innovation enhances its global standing as a travel and business hub.
Fast-track immigration clearance for Indians, OCIs to be extended to five more airports
The Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme will soon be available at five more international airports. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the service virtually. Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode and Amritsar are the new locations. The program offers faster immigration for pre-verified Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.
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.
18,400 individuals on first list for quicker immigration processing
India has launched its first Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme for High Net Worth Individuals, CEOs, businessmen, and OCI cardholders. The programme, operational at major airports including Delhi and Mumbai, offers faster immigration clearance through e-Gates. Personal data of enrollees is secure and not shared.
Faster immigration clearance programme to be launched at 7 more airports soon
A new programme to expedite immigration for pre-verified Indian nationals and OCI cardholders will soon be available at major airports in India. The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) aims to provide faster, smoother, and more secure immigration clearance through e-gates. Initially launched in Delhi, it will expand to seven more airports.
Cruise tourists with e-visa exempted from biometric enrolment
This will make immigration clearance of such passengers faster, leaving them with more time to spend onshore, the government said.
Mukesh Ambani, Amitabh Bachchan among names discussed by India for faster US immigration clearance
India has discussed with the US names of prominent personalities who could be included in the US 'Global Entry Program' for expedited immigration clearance at US Airports.
Solar plane's journey gets stuck in red tape
Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard, who had flown the airplane from Muscat to Ahmedabad, did not get clearance from the Immigration department as well.
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