- Business visas to India now extendable to 15 years
- Rules regarding internship visas relaxed
- Tourist visas now convertible to medical visas
India has been making serious efforts towards making it easier for foreigners to visit and work in the country. Read to find out all about India’s visa policy changes.
In 2018, 18.78 lakh people from across the world visited India on e-visas. This marked an increase of 1.78 lakh since 2017 and 14.31 lakhs since 2015. Recently, the government of India recently announced that business visas will now be extendable for 15 years along with other changes to the Indian visa rules.
India’s Visa Policy Changes – Business Visa to India
A business visa is granted to individuals who want to make a business-related visit to India. This may be to establish contact on behalf of an international brand, make sales, recruitment, set up an industrial venture, etc.
Individuals may also use this visa to attend board meetings, technical discussions, and general body meetings or participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business fairs.
Until now the visa was granted as a multiple-entry visa for 1 year and could be extended up to 5 years or 10 years. The new rule allows this visa to now be extended for a maximum of 15 years at intervals of 5 years. This has been done to facilitate an easier arrival and stay of foreign nationals in India.
Foreigners on other types of long duration visas have also been given permission to attend conferences without changing the status of their visa. In Addition, the rules regarding internship visas have been relaxed. This visa is applicable to international students who wish to pursue a course in the country or work without remuneration.
India’s Visa Policy Changes – Conversion of Visas to Medical Visas
India issued 1.78 lakh medical visas in 2016. This number has been steadily growing as people suffering from chronic illnesses as well as those requiring different types of surgeries chose to be treated in India.
Recognizing that medical emergencies may arise when a foreigner is in India on a visitor visa, the government of India announced that any visa may now be converted to a medical visa. This will allow them to seek treatment at any of the recognized hospitals for international patients in India.
Also See
- 1000% increase in tourists visiting India on e-visas in 2015
- List of Countries Exempted From Visa Obligations to Visit India
- e-FRRO Services in India – No More Visits to Local FRRO Offices
- 15 Awesome Destinations That Issue Visa On Arrival to Indians
- New Visa Rules for Indian Passport Holders
