VISA REGIME
IATO welcomes simplification of Indian visa regime
The Indian Association of Tour Operators has welcomed the government's efforts to simplify the visa process. The number of main visa categories has been reduced to enhance accessibility for international tourists. A new Visitor Visa is being introduced, allowing for multiple entries and covering various short-term activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to implement these changes by the end of 2026.
Number of main visa categories cut from 13 to 9: Move aimed at boosting arrivals of tourists, patients, students, researchers, investors
The Union home ministry has streamlined India's visa regime by reducing main visa categories from 13 to 9. Additionally, sub-categories have been decreased from 49 to 23 to improve accessibility. This rationalization aims to facilitate foreign tourist, student, and healthcare arrivals into India. Application forms have seen a significant reduction in required fields, enhancing the overall process efficiency. E-visas are now available for citizens of 172 countries, further easing travel.
Centre cuts visa categories from 13 to 9, reduces application form fields by up to 70%
India has announced changes to its visa regime by reducing the main categories from 13 to nine. The number of sub-categories has also been cut down significantly, streamlining the entire application process. Visa application forms will require 65-70% fewer fields to simplify the process for foreign nationals. This rationalization aims to enhance foreign tourist arrivals, students, and medical visitors in India.
Indian parents getting US residency? 6 financial implications to consider before applying
Investments in bank accounts, mutual funds, shares and other assets will have to be reviewed and modified. It is illegal under India’s FEMA to hold resident bank and demat accounts after moving abroad on a permanent resident status. All such accounts must be converted to non-resident, and FATCA forms disclosing the residential status abroad should be filled up.
After the US midterm rout of Trumpism, the world struggles to trust America again
In the wake of the midterm elections, Joe Reeve alongside other international observers share their skepticism about the integrity of American democracy. A dominant concern is the potential volatility in U.S. policy amidst Trump’s sway. There’s a strong call from world leaders for the U.S. to uphold its democratic values, as businesses start to feel anxious about impending changes in trade and immigration policies.
After the US midterm rout of Trumpism, the world struggles to trust America again
Joe Reeve, a London startup founder, expressed global concern over the uncertainty following the midterm elections. Many international observers doubt whether the election results will lead to significant policy changes. Political leaders and business owners are cautious about America's potential direction under continued Trump influence. The emotional aftermath of the elections enhances feelings of distrust in American governance worldwide.
Reality check on Indo-Myanmar border fencing
The 1,643 km porous India-Myanmar border will be fenced at a cost of Rs 31,000 crore, and passes through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The free movement regime with Myanmar was scrapped in 2024. FMR allowed people residing close to the border to venture 16 km into each other's territory without a visa.
United Kingdom considers a new investor visa for wealthy foreigners ahead of the October budget
The UK government is considering a new investor visa to attract wealthy individuals and support economic growth. Proposals include various investment thresholds and conditions to encourage foreign capital. The previous investor visa was closed in 2022 due to concerns over financial security and misuse of funds. Immigration lawyers suggest that the existing visa system does not meet the needs of wealthy applicants.
Catch a bully by its horns: How India can turn the latest round of US visa curbs affecting Indian techies to its advantage
Visa restrictions imposed by the US on Indian IT companies may impact individuals working on temporary visas. Many Indian workers may now have to return to India due to these restrictions. Despite these challenges, returnees present opportunities for India in emerging technologies and industries. Additionally, India's relationship with the US requires strategic actions to maintain balance in trade and diplomacy.
Skyroot eyes funding boost; MDR deferment cheers D2C brands
Happy Thursday! Skyroot is eyeing a big funding round as it gears up to scale rocket production. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
12,700 tech professional return from US in 9 months
The data sourced from staffing firm Xpheno shows that the numbers have been steadily going up, from 7,200 in 2023 and 9,800 in 2024. The figures track white-collar technology talent moving along the India-US corridor and are not limited to H-1B visa holders.
US green card freeze: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech had just 61 certified PERM cases in FY26
HCL America recorded 59 certified cases and TCS only two. Infosys and Wipro had no recorded cases in the period and neither did US-headquartered Cognizant.
PERMafrost without bite: Indian IT must stop treating every US rule change as a crisis to be lobbied away, fix lies elsewhere
US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling has suspended eight companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, significantly impacting their operations. Companies primarily delivering services from India are affected, hindering their ability to hire foreign workers. This situation is anticipated to push Indian tech talent to consider alternatives, including returning to India. The decision may also disrupt ongoing trade discussions between the US and India regarding skilled labor mobility.
ETSA 2026: Not getting H-1B visas will boost our startup ecosystem, says Piyush Goyal
Speaking as guest of honour at the ET Startup Awards 2026, Goyal spoke about the Indian businessmen working in the US and asked what might have happened had they built their businesses and done their research in India.
The ET Startup Awards 2026 special
Entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers came together in a star-studded event to honour the best of Indian entrepreneurship at the ET Startup Awards 2026 in Bengaluru.
Why global investors are turning to Georgia for real estate opportunities in 2026
Alliance Group designates 2026 as a pivotal year for international stakeholders targeting Georgia's dynamic real estate landscape. The nation has witnessed substantial increases in residential property transactions, luring buyers from India and Europe. Tbilisi and Batumi stand out with impressive rental yields, while rising GDP and tourism profits bolster investment allure. Additionally, favorable policy adjustments cater to high-net-worth individuals keen on tapping into Georgian real estate opportunities.
Sitharaman sees a ‘plateau’, but India-US trade deal may not be at a dead end yet: GTRI
As India and the US engage in talks for a bilateral trade deal, uncertainties loom over tariff treatments. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that the scope for concessions is limited, indicating a plateau. Ajay Srivastava from GTRI cautioned against making unilateral concessions, stressing that additional tariffs might complicate trade relations. An effectively designed interim agreement is crucial for ensuring substantial benefits for 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.
Astana International Financial Centre explores to partner with India's GIFT City
Astana International Financial Centre is exploring potential collaboration with India's GIFT city due to regional proximity. This partnership aims to enhance financial services and investment opportunities between Kazakhstan and India. AIFC has established itself as a leading financial hub in Central Asia since its launch in 2018. Initiatives from AIFC include developments in sustainable finance and digital assets.
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