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Rs. 1 Crore Gets You Just a Mercedes in India But a Visa & Merc in Dubai

July 7, 2025, 4:30 pm

Indians now also have an easier route to the UAE’s highly sought-after Golden Visa without having to invest crores in real estate or business. Indians can now gain permanent residency under the nomination-based model by paying AED 1,00,000 (roughly Rs. 23.30 lakh), a huge change from the previous requirement of a minimum AED 2 million (or rs. 4.66 crore) real estate investment or share in businesses.

This new, cheaper pathway has generated excitement among Indians looking to build a life in the UAE. On Twitter, a user smartly pointed out that an Indian could either buy a high-end car costing Rs. 1 crore in India or spend the same amount to obtain a Golden Visa for Dubai and purchase the same car there.

Mercedes E-Class: India vs Dubai Prices

X user Abhinav Kukreja juxtaposed the cost of owning a Mercedes E-Class in the two nations. In India, the cheapest model begins at Rs. 81.50 lakh (ex-showroom), while on-road prices in Delhi are around Rs. 95 lakh, according to Carwale.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, the identical Mercedes E-Class comes with a price tag of AED 321,900, which is roughly Rs. 75 lakh. Kukreja pointed out that with Rs. 1 crore, one could either drive away in an E-Class here, or alternatively, spend Rs. 23 lakh on a Golden Visa, then buy the same car in Dubai for Rs. 75 lakh essentially getting both the car and residency within the same budget.

If you have 1Cr, now you can either:

1. Buy Mercedes E Class in India
Or

2. Get Dubai Golden Visa for Life + Buy Mercedes E Class in Dubai pic.twitter.com/xJ79S6s7Qk

— Abhinav Kukreja (@kukreja_abhinav) July 6, 2025

Social Media Responds

Kukreja’s comment soon went viral on X, generating debate on taxes, lifestyle, and wise spending.

“Dubai government understands middle class Indians problems more than the Indian government… anticipate some businessmen and remote working professionals to migrate there to avoid taxes and enjoy improved quality of life,” said X user Hrishikesh Shinde.

Another commenter praised the math, stating, “I like this maths and comparison – well done! Drives the point home beautifully.”

Some were even stunned by the news of the cheaper visa. “Wow. For real ? Dubai golden visa is now less than 25 lac ? There will be a stampede to get it,” one commenter wrote.

UPI Records Massive Growth, Likely to Overtake Visa Within Months

June 4, 2025, 4:00 pm

India’s digital payment system, UPI, is quickly catching up to Visa in daily global transactions. According to reports, UPI processed “644 million transactions on June 1” and “650 million on June 2.”

In comparison, Visa averaged “639 million transactions per day” during FY24. Although Visa does not release its daily data, its March 2024 quarter saw a slightly higher daily average of “674 million.”

Meanwhile, UPI averaged “602 million daily transactions in May,” showing how fast it is closing the gap.

UPI’s Fast-Paced Growth

UPI continues to grow at a rapid pace. Monthly growth stands at “5 to 7 percent,” and yearly growth hits “a whopping 40 percent.” On the other hand, Visa’s annual transaction volume grows by just “10 percent.”

Based on this pattern, experts believe that UPI could overtake Visa in the next “two to three months.”

New Milestone in May

UPI hit a record high in May 2025, both in volume and value. NPCI reported “1,867.7 crore transactions” for the month, compared to “1,789.3 crore in April.”

In terms of value, May saw “₹25.14 lakh crore,” which was a “5 percent rise” from April’s ₹23.94 lakh crore. This was also a sharp jump from “₹20.44 lakh crore in May 2024,” marking a “23 percent annual growth.”

UPI’s average daily transaction value also rose. It reached “₹81,106 crore in May,” slightly up from “₹79,831 crore in April.”

Big Goals Ahead

The government and NPCI, which manage UPI, are aiming higher. Their target is to reach “1 billion transactions per day.”

Industry leaders praised UPI’s growth. Dilip Modi, founder and CEO of Spice Money, called the May milestone “a resounding testament to India’s growing digital payment ecosystem.” He also said that it shows “deepening trust in UPI as a preferred mode of transaction.”

US B1/B2 Visa Wait Time for Indians Crosses 1 Year: Report

May 20, 2025, 4:16 am

Even with the US reinstating visa services fully, demand for tourist and business (B1/B2) visas still far outweighs available appointment time, leading to significant backlogs for US consulates in India.

Wait Periods Cross a Year in Major Cities

Wait times have reached critical points, ranging from 7.5 to 13.5 months for Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, according to a report by Aviation News. The longest delay is in Chennai, at 13.5 months, which means many people are missing important events.

These extended waits are interrupting journey plans for family events, weddings, business meetings, and even emergencies. Priority appointments are still in short supply, providing little respite even in emergencies.

No Relief for Wedding-Goers or Business Travellers

The report quoted a homemaker attempting to fly to New York to attend a wedding and said the earliest available time slot is only in March next year, long after the wedding.

The same is the case in Delhi and Mumbai, where waiting times have crossed nine months, with prompt access to B1/B2 visa appointments becoming ever more difficult for applicants across the country.

Business travellers are the worst affected. With no definable or systematic approach to appointments, applicants have the hare-brained idea of repeatedly checking the portal without success, rendering travel planning very challenging.

Priority Slots Mostly Reserved for Students in US

General applicants typically wait for a whole year, while authorities reserve a few priority slots mainly for emergency cases and F1 student visa categories.

Faheem Sheikh, Chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India (AP and Telangana), told Aviation News that authorities are allocating most summer priority appointments to F1 student visa applicants preparing for the new academic year in the US.

The US on Monday imposed visa sanctions on owners, executives, and top officials of Indian travel agencies who are allegedly complicit in promoting illegal immigration to the United States.

US Visa Sanctions Part of Crackdown on Smuggling Networks

The State Department said that Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service operate every day throughout the embassy and consulates to identify and target individuals engaged in illegal immigration, human smuggling, and trafficking.

It stated that the US is placing these visa restrictions to break up networks facilitating illegal immigration and will continue taking such actions to dismantle these operations.

Policy Extends Beyond India and Includes Visa Waiver Program

The Department underscored that US immigration policy seeks both to warn foreign nationals of the risks of illegal immigration and to hold liable those who act outside of law, including those who organize illegal entry.

This visa limit policy is international and even extends to those covered by the Visa Waiver Program. On being asked for information regarding the affected travel agencies or individuals, an American embassy official in New Delhi refused to comment on specifics.

Indian Citizens Warned: US Visa Overstay May Lead to Lifetime Ban

May 17, 2025, 9:41 pm

The US Embassy in India issued a tough advisory on Saturday, cautioning Indian citizens of the consequences of overstaying their legitimate duration of residence in the US.

Trump’s Immigration Stance Drives Policy Shift in US

One of the key planks on which US President Donald Trump campaigned and won last year’s election is a crackdown on illegal immigration. Since the beginning of the second term in January, the Trump administration has made a number of policy announcements about immigration.

Visa Overstay Could Lead to Deportation and Ban in US

The nation’s embassy in India highlighted the serious effects of overstaying the visa. They are the possibility of deportation and a possible lifetime ban on any future visits to the US

“If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future,” the embassy’s post on social media platform X read

The embassy’s warning is to Indian citizens in or entering the United ton on different visas, such as tourists, students, and work visas.

Trump Doubles Down on Immigration Enforcement

Since his return to the White House for his second term in January, US President Donald Trump has been very critical of illegal immigration.

He proclaimed an emergency on the nation’s southern border as among his initial executive steps following taking the oath. Three US military aircraft returned hundreds of immigrants to India in February. These individuals had been detained after unlawfully crossing the border into the United States.

Trump Administration Enacts Wide-Ranging Immigration Reforms

The Trump regime has introduced numerous other reforms, such as reforming the H1B visa regulations, ramping up ICE raids, and abolishing the ‘birthright’ citizenship for children of undocumented migrants.

Numerous of Trump’s policies have been taken to courts, and the lawsuits continue as the federal government continues to implement stricter regulations even in spite of court injunctions to the opposite.

Is South Korea on Your Bucket List? Here’s How to Apply for a Visa from India

April 28, 2025, 6:21 pm

Pondering about having the cherry blossoms of Seoul, having shopping excursions in Myeongdong, or immersing one self in the locations of K-dramas? South Korea is a wonderful destination this time of year, and as Indian passport holders, it’s rather simple to acquire a visa so long as one is aware of what is ahead. Here is a useful guide to getting a South Korea visa from India, including types of visas, documents required, processing time, charges, and helpful tips to make it easier.

Do Indians Need a Visa to Travel to South Korea?

It is necessary for Indian passport holders to obtain a visa in order to travel to South Korea. Whether you are traveling for tourism, a business meeting, or a K-pop concert visit, you need to apply for a visa ahead of time.

Types of Visas Available

There are various visas available based on your plans of travel:

Short-Term Single Entry Visa (for stays up to 90 days)
Long-Term Single Entry Visa (for stays more than 90 days)
Multiple Entry Visa (for frequent travellers)

Documents Required for a South Korea Tourist Visa

You will need the following documents in order to apply for a tourist visa:

Original Passport with validity of more than 6 months.
Two color passport-sized recent photographs.
Completely filled Online Visa application form.
Occupation or Employment Proof (for people who are working). A letter from your employer should have contact details.
One-year salary slip.
Photocopy of Last 2 years Income Tax Return (ITR) and PAN Card. (If not possible to submit ITR, attach a letter stating why.)
If you are a businessman, submit a 3 years company Income Tax Return and PAN Card. In case of a proprietor, submit personal ITR for 3 years.
Recent bank statement for 6 months (original or photocopy, with a bank’s stamp).
Copy of company registration.
Business profile information (if necessary).
Proof of connection between sponsor and applicant (in case somebody is sponsoring your trip).
Health Condition Form.
Return air tickets that are confirmed.
Hotel reservations

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa From India

You can drop your documents through VFS Global offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Otherwise, you may apply through Korea Visa Application Centres (KVAC) in Chennai and Bengaluru. When you drop off your passport, you will receive notification when your passport is available for pickup.

The payment for visa processing is made directly at the KVAC. The normal processing time is 10 working days, but longer processing times may occur during high travel seasons.

Social Media Posts May Cost You a US Visa, Warns DHS

April 10, 2025, 12:47 pm

In a significant policy change, US immigration officials have said that visa and permanent residence applications will be rejected for those who post anti-Semitic material on social media. That includes any material expressing backing for violent groups the United States has labeled terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis.

Anti-Semitic Content a ‘Negative Factor’

As per a statement of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), social media content indicating that someone is ‘endorsing, espousing, promoting or supporting anti-Semitic terrorism, anti-Semitic terrorist organizations or other anti-Semitic activity’ will now be considered a negative consideration in their immigration petitions.

The policy is applicable to both holders of student visas as well as those seeking permanent resident status, popularly referred to as green cards, and comes into effect immediately.

‘You Are Not Welcome Here’: DHS Sends Strong Message

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin reinforced the administration’s message, stating, “Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has made it clear that anyone who believes they can come to America and use the First Amendment as a shield to promote anti-Semitic violence and terrorism…think again. You are not welcome here.”

300 Visas Already Revoked

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced last month that around 300 visas have already been withdrawn, emphasizing that foreign nationals do not enjoy the same constitutional rights as US citizens.

The Trump administration also deported students in the US for engaging in Gaza-related protests. One of the most publicized deportation cases includes that of Mahmoud Khalil, who made headlines for spearheading pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University in New York.

Canada New Visa Regulations: What It Means for Indians

February 25, 2025, 2:32 pm

New immigration regulations in Canada may affect thousands of Indian workers, students, and tourists because officials now possess greater authority to cancel study and work visas under specific situations. The Student Direct Stream (SDS ) visa program was canceled in late 2024 and after this, the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations came into effect on January 31, 2025.

CanadaVisa.com says the program accelerated visa processing for students by requiring advanced financial evidence, such as tuition fees and guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) for living costs.

Due to these changes, border officials authorized to do so can now cancel temporary resident documents, including electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs). This challenges many Indians, as Canada is still a top destination for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.

Indian Students and Visitors in Canada

At the moment, 4,27,000 Indians are staying in Canada as students, as per the data of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). And between January July 2024, Canada provided 3,65,750 visitor visas to Indians.

Circumstances under which Visas can be cancelled

Having criminal records, providing false information, or being deceased.
If the documents are lost, destroyed, stolen, or issued because of an administrator error.
If an officer believes that the person concerned won’t leave Canada when their authorized stay will be expiring
A temporary resident becomes a permanent resident.

According to the report, the revised regulations could lead to the cancellation of approximately 7,000 additional temporary resident visas, work permits, and study permits. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that affected individuals will be notified through their IRCC account or via email.

A worker, migrant, or student who is refused admission will be detained at the port of entry and returned to their nation of origin. The person will receive a notification telling them to leave the country by a given date if their permission is revoked while they are already living, working, or studying in Canada.

Visa And Mastercard Ignored Child Abuse Material On OnlyFans Payments Claims Whistleblower

January 24, 2025, 10:45 pm

A whistleblower has accused Visa and Mastercard of allowing their payment networks to facilitate transactions for illicit content on the adult platform OnlyFans, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and sex trafficking. The complaint, filed in January 2023 with the US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), claims that the card giants were aware of these illegal activities as early as 2021 but failed to act effectively to stop them.

Visa and Mastercard Knew About Inaction Despite Warnings

The complaint states that the two companies had received multiple alerts by anti-trafficking experts and US federal agents in 2021 and 2022 regarding illegal content on OnlyFans. This complaint also claims that Visa and Mastercard were aware of the existence of child sexual abuse material on the platform but continued processing payments on it. Another charge against the companies is willful failure to comply with anti-money laundering requirements, thus violating the Bank Secrecy Act.

A senior compliance expert and whistleblower alleged that Visa and Mastercard processed payments made to the illegal content, child sexual abuse material, on OnlyFans, allowing its creators to monetize illicit material. According to the complaint, this directly links credit card giants to the flow of illegal revenues.

Evidence and Investigations Back Allegations

In support of this assertion, the complaint points to a 2022 report by the Anti-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII), where it noted that there was a massive quantity of OnlyFans accounts comprised of material that was identified as CSAM or sex trafficking. The whistleblower here observed that he was an assistant to the study and made it available to Visa and Mastercard; but neither company responded appropriately.

The complaint further alleges that the two firms, with their respective processing systems, allowed funds accreted from the illicit transactions to be routed through their own networks, thereby facilitating the continuance of exploitation of children on the platform.

The claims further added that Visa and Mastercard had shifted the responsibility of monitoring adult content sites, such as OnlyFans, to the banks in order to shun their affirmative obligations while earning profits from illegal activities.

Visa and Mastercard Vindicate Themselves

Visa and Mastercard have denied all the allegations leveled against them by the whistleblower. Visa noted its efforts to maintain strict compliance standards as well as mentioned it cuts ties with financial institutions and merchants that do not meet their criteria of compliance. Mastercard had similar remarks where it said it has collaborations with business associates who act regarding illegal activities once identified.

But in her critique of the whistleblower’s allegations, the whistleblower complaint states that card companies have been lazy and failed to act on cases where there was clear proof of illegal content existing on OnlyFans.

OnlyFans’ Role and Response

Another company caught in the middle of the backlash was OnlyFans, one of the fastest-growing companies in the creator economy. The company had maintained it has no illegal content and has maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse material. Yet, it faces criticism and litigation mounting up to date with various police reports and investigations uncovering multiple instances of child sexual abuse material on OnlyFans.

The site has reported gross payments to the creators at $6.6 billion in 2023, and so far, Visa and Mastercard process most of the transactions on the site. This association, according to the whistleblower, raises serious concerns about the companies’ role in facilitating such illegal activities.

As the complaint is developed, regulating authorities will need to face this fast-emerging trend that involves monetization of content illicit in nature and whether or not financial institutions are doing enough towards prevention of such monetization.

Govt Introduces 2 New Special Visa Options for International Students | How to Apply

January 5, 2025, 1:22 pm

Two special category visas by India—’e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x visa’—have been implemented to allow international students to pursue higher education at Indian academic institutions. Both of these visas are now permitted by the MHA but require registration on the government’s ‘Study in India’ portal by the applicants.

An e-student visa for an international student having a profile or registration on SII; On the other hand, there are ‘e- student -X’ which the dependents holding an ‘E- student-Visa.

The whole of Admission process from enrolling and long-term short-time courses are easier for an International student under an SII.

How to apply for Special Visa?

Applying should be done by using the portal found at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ and validated by SII ID. Officials, as per news agency PTI, assert that “it is compulsory for students to apply to Indian higher education institutions via the SII website.”

The process to apply begins with registering on the SII portal. Students provide basic information such as name, country, date of birth, mobile number, and e-mail ID. There should be a unique SII ID for each student to check the status of his or her application, visa processing, and other related processes. Without an ID, students cannot go further with their Indian studies.

Once a student gets an admission offer from any of the partner institutions listed on the SII portal, he or she can apply for a visa. The e-student visa is issued to foreign nationals admitted to full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs at institutions recognized by India’s statutory and regulatory bodies.

These can be up to five years long, depending upon the duration of the course undertaken, and students can renew it while staying in India. A valid e-student visa can also allow access to India from any immigration checkpoint.

Study in India (SII) Program

The SII program, led by the Ministry of Education, is a program to attract international students to pursue higher education in India. The initiative has partnered with more than 600 institutes offering more than 8,000 courses in various fields, including engineering, technology, management, agriculture, sciences, arts, humanities, language studies, law, paramedical sciences, and specialized programs like Buddhist Studies and Yoga.

Students can choose from a wide array of courses at India’s best institutions, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certification programs. The application process is straightforward; students apply online, and their applications will be considered for the programs they select.

Australia Makes Temporary Work Visas Stricter To Protect Local Jobs

September 25, 2024, 3:51 pm

Australia has introduced stricter regulations for its subclass 400 Short Stay Specialist visa, aimed at ensuring that local workers are not disadvantaged. The visa, designed for short-term and highly specialised work, has undergone significant policy changes to curb its misuse and maintain fairness in the job market.

New Restrictions on Subclass 400 Visa

Previously, the subclass 400 visa allowed for stays of up to six months, depending on individual circumstances. However, under the new rules, visa holders can now stay for a maximum of three months within a 12-month period. This change is intended to prevent the visa from being used as an alternative to the more long-term subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs will carefully scrutinise applications to ensure compliance.

A statement from Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP (BAL), a global immigration law firm, highlighted that only a small proportion of applicants will now be eligible for this visa under the tightened rules.

Limited Stay Periods and New Return Policies

Another major change to the subclass 400 visa is the restriction on returning to Australia within the same 12-month period after leaving, even if the visa holder has not completed the full three-month stay. Additionally, the option to submit multiple visa applications over the course of a year has been eliminated. Visa holders must now stay for the duration of the visa initially granted without the ability to extend or reapply within the same year.

Increased Processing Fee

The visa’s processing fee starts from AU$415 (approximately ₹23,869). With these new changes, the government aims to balance the inflow of skilled foreign workers while ensuring local employees are not sidelined.

This new policy is part of Australia’s broader effort to safeguard local employment opportunities while continuing to attract highly specialised professionals for short-term roles.

Dubai Resident Slams Country That Denied His Tourist Visa: ‘Never Want To Step Foot..’

August 6, 2024, 4:23 pm

A Dubai resident, Elvit Ebrahimi, has sparked a wave of discussion online after expressing his gratitude for the UAE, following a visa rejection from an undisclosed country. Ebrahimi took to social media to vent his frustration, revealing that his visa application was denied due to concerns that he would not return to Dubai.

In a video shared on social media, Ebrahimi, while sitting in his car, voiced his disbelief over the rejection. He remarked on the irony of being told his documents did not sufficiently prove his intent to return to Dubai, a place he passionately described as the best country in the world.

Ebrahimi’s comments included a sharp critique of the unnamed country, saying, “Dubai, the best country in the world, that I owe all my life to and I would stay in your country? It was a no-brainer. There is no brain in that country. I would never want to step foot in that country if it wasn’t for my family that lives there.”

His remarks have led to speculation among social media users about which country may have issued the visa rejection, with some guessing the USA or the UK based on the initial.

Despite the visa setback, Ebrahimi expressed his appreciation for the support he received and the positive community he experiences in Dubai. He concluded his message by acknowledging the kindness and support of the people in the UAE, saying, “It is truly a blessing to live in Dubai among the most genuine and kind people who have all come together, creating a supportive and vibrant community.”

The video has resonated with many, highlighting both the strength of local community bonds and the complexities of international travel and visa processes.

UK Visa Changes: How It Will Impact Indians

April 13, 2024, 4:13 am

As part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s efforts to regulate immigration, the UK government has raised the minimum income threshold for sponsoring family members’ visas as dependents, sparking concerns within the Indian community due to stricter eligibility criteria. This change, coupled with recent adjustments to visas for work, study, and post-study work routes, particularly affects Indian students and workers in the UK.

Sanam Arora, founder of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, emphasized the importance of the Graduate visa for Indian students, highlighting its significance within the UK’s higher education system.

Anahita Masters, an alumna of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), expressed concern over the impact on post-graduate research students and their dependents, particularly women, due to restrictions on bringing dependents.

The minimum income requirement for work visa dependents has surged, with social care workers unable to bring any dependents regardless of income. These changes add to a series of visa regulations, including the prohibition of bringing dependents on student visas since January.

With the possibility of the Graduate route visa being discontinued, Arora warned of potential financial repercussions for universities, affecting both international and domestic students and the country’s research endeavors.

Masters highlighted the challenges faced by sole breadwinners and Indian women, citing her own experience as a mother studying at LSE, emphasizing the importance of the dependent clause for students with families.

Indonesia Proposes Free Entry Visas to Boost Tourism from 20 Countries

December 9, 2023, 3:19 pm

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has put forth a proposal to grant free entry visas to travellers from 20 countries, aiming to stimulate tourist visits and create a positive economic impact, according to the state news agency ANTARA.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, announced the proposal, stating, “The ministry proposed 20 countries with the highest (number of) foreign tourists, except for those with existing visa exemptions.” The list of 20 countries includes Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and others.

The initiative is designed to attract more foreign tourists, with the expectation that it will contribute to a multiplier effect, fostering increased domestic consumption, attracting investment, and supporting the development of the digital economy. Minister Uno emphasized the focus on targeting quality tourists, especially those likely to have longer stays and make higher expenditures within the local economy.

If implemented, the provision of free entry visas to these countries is anticipated to enhance Indonesia’s position as a tourist destination and create positive economic outcomes. The proposal reflects the government’s strategic approach to leverage tourism for broader economic development, and further developments may arise as discussions and decisions progress.

US Announces Work Visa Overhaul in December; Will Benefit Indians

November 29, 2023, 12:22 pm

Washington: The United States is set to roll out a pilot program for the domestic renewal of certain categories of H-1B visas, benefiting a considerable number of Indian technology professionals, as announced by a US official. The initiative, previously mentioned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June, is aimed at streamlining visa appointments and reducing wait times.

In an interview with news agency PTI, Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, highlighted that the high demand for US visas in India has led to extended wait times, which is not in alignment with their views on India. The pilot program, set to commence in December, will involve issuing 20,000 visas to foreign nationals already present within the US.

The program primarily targets Indian nationals living in the US, allowing for visa renewal without requiring travel back to India or elsewhere for appointments. This initiative aims to optimize missions in India to focus on new applicants, providing convenience to skilled workers in the US.

The State Department will soon issue a federal register notice outlining the program’s steps and eligibility criteria for the initial phase. Ms. Stufft emphasized that visa processing under this program will be done within the United States, eliminating the need for travel to other countries for visa renewals.

Furthermore, the program exclusively caters to work visas, intended for long-term residents in the US seeking visa renewal without leaving the country. The pilot program commencing in December will undergo a trial phase until February, and the goal is to expand its scope to include more categories of workers residing in the US in the later part of 2024.

Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria lauded the move by the State Department, mentioning its significance in impacting over a million H-1B holders, a substantial proportion of whom are Indian. He expressed gratitude to President Biden, the State Department, and other officials for implementing this recommendation, aiming to relieve burdens for legal immigrants and promote inclusive policies in society.

Inputs by PTI Agency.

Chinese Embassy issued over 60,000 visas to Indians since January 2023

May 30, 2023, 5:35 pm

In the first five months of 2023, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General issued over 60,000 visas to Indians traveling to China, according to Chinese Embassy in India spokesperson Wang Xiaojian in a tweet. Visas have been granted to Indian nationals for a variety of purposes, including tourism, business study, work, and family reunions.

Wang Xiaojian tweeted, “In the first 5 months of this year, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General have issued over 60000 visas to Indian people travelling to China for purposes of business, study, tourist, work, family reunion etc. Welcome to China.”

China announced earlier this month that it will allow foreign tourists, including those from India, to enter the country for the first time in three years. The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in India announced on March 14 that it will resume issuing various types of Chinese visas.

The Chinese Embassy in India stated in a notification that “Chinese visas issued before March 28, 2020 and still valid will be reactivated.” “The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in India will resume issuing various types of Chinese visas,” it added. Please see the updated Notice on the Requirements for Chinese Visa Application for more information.”

Japan and S.Korea respond to China’s Visa Ban

January 11, 2023, 6:01 pm

The boom in Covid-19 cases in China led to japan and South Korea raising restrictions on travelers from China on Wednesday. China in apparent response to the move stopped issuing new visas in both countries. There is still uncertainty as to will China expand on the Visa suspensions to the other countries who have imposed restrictions on Chinese travelers.

“Significantly regrettable” was what South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin responded with to China’s retaliation. EH also called China to follow “scientific and objective facts” in its attempt to tackle pandemic. South Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that about 17 percent of the 2,550 short term travelers from China in the timespan from January 2 to 10 have tested positive.

Park said, “The most important reason for our government’s measure is the lives and safety of our people,”. Denying businesses people from South Korea or Japan might impede trade and prospective new investments. “We will monitor the COVID-19 situation in China before determining how long we will maintain our measures”, he further added.

Tokyo protested and demanded China to scrap the measures and that Japan will “respond appropriately while closely watching China’s infection situation and how information disclosures are handled by the Chinese side,” Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said. He further added that it is China’s spreading infections and lack of transparency about the situation that forced Japan to take precautionary measures.

Senior Disease Control and Prevention Agency official Lim Sook-young stated at a briefing that due to China’s deteriorating COVID-19 situation and a lack of knowledge, South Korea may need to increase restrictions. “Just because we haven’t seen the emergence of a new variant doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t see one later,” she said.

Lack of transparency is just not the concern for these two countries but World Health Organization and several other nations too have accused China of withholding data on its outbreak.

China U-turn from its “zero-Covid” policy raises big question for the Xi way of managing the pandemic. It is facing a surge in cases and hospitalizations in many of its metropolitan cities. The images leaking out from the heavily censored Chinese social media show dreary situation in its hospitals and crematoriums. Authorities predict that domestic train and air travel will double over the same time period as last year, despite the fact that foreign flights are still being restricted.

Student visa interviews to start from November by the US Embassy

October 1, 2022, 2:23 pm

The US embassy in India has announced that interviews for the student visas will open from mid-November. Minister counselor for consular affairs at US Embassy, Don Heflin, said that the process of interviews will continue till the end of December.The announcement was made by Don Heflin while answering student visa queries for the United States related to waiting and processing time. He said, “We will open up for the first half in mid-October and for the second half in mid-November.”Last month, US missions in India said that record 82,000 student visas have been issued in 2022 so far, higher than in any previous year. Indian students received more American student visas than any other country, the missions added.Amid delays, foreign minister S Jaishankar also raised the issue of the huge backlog of US visa applications from India with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.S Jaishankar said, “To the people who are concerned about the visa issues, I would like to give the message that I understand their anxiety and the urgency and which is precisely the reason why I took up the matter.”

82,000 student visas issued by US to Indians in 2022

September 8, 2022, 1:22 pm

Higher than in any previous years, US missions in India have issued 82,000 student visas so far in 2022. Indian students received more American student visas than students from any other country.

The embassy said that to ensure that as many qualified students as possible made it to their programmes of study on time for scheduled start dates, the processing of student visa applications from May to August was prioritized by the US embassy in New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

The senior-most US diplomat in India, Patricia Lacina, said in charge d’affaires that, “We issued over 82,000 student visas this summer alone, more than in any previous year. This shows that the United States remains for most Indian families the most sought-after country for higher education. “

She also said, “We are happy to see so many students were able to receive visas and reach their universities after the delays caused in previous years by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Lacina said, “This also highlights the important contributions Indian students make to both our countries as they build life-long connections with American peers to maintain and grow international partnerships.”

Don Heflin, the minister counsellor for consular affairs, said, “International student mobility is central to US diplomacy, and nowhere is the contribution of students bigger than in India.”

The “Open Doors” report in 2021 showed that there were 1,67,582 students from India during the 2020–21 academic year. Indian students comprise nearly 20% of all international students in the US. Students seeking assistance with studying in the US can download the EducationUSA India app, which provides the latest information about the college application process and helps plan for higher education in the US.