Visa Policy
Rush at European embassies: Walk-ins, more staff to cut visa wait time
Embassies 'put in measures' to reduce turnaround time
 "Rush at European embassies: Walk-ins, more staff to cut visa wait time")
EB-5 visa: What is it, who can apply and how it is different from H1-B visa
H1-B visa requires a sponsor for the immigrant to stay in the US but no such sponsorship is needed in the EB-5 scheme
 "EB-5 visa: What is it, who can apply and how it is different from H1-B visa")
Germany announces relaxation in its Schengen visa rules for Indians
The embassy made it clear that the relaxations do not apply to applications for national visa (D-visa category) such as student, employment or family reunion visas
 "Germany announces relaxation in its Schengen visa rules for Indians")
Are countries using visas as weapons to fight diplomatic battles?
While India does seem to be facing the rough end of visa diplomacy, barriers are going up globally
US visa processing likely to reach pre-pandemic levels in FY23: State dept
The US visa processing is rebounding faster than projected and is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels in Fiscal Year 2023, the State Department has said, addressing the growing concern over backlog of visa applications from countries like India. The State Department said it was committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while safeguarding national security. "The Department of State is successfully lowering visa interview wait times worldwide. We have doubled our hiring of US Foreign Service personnel to do this important work, visa processing is rebounding faster than projected, and in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 we expect to reach pre-pandemic visa processing levels," it said in a media note on Thursday. Giving the reason behind delays, it said many applicants for US visas are required by the country's law to appear in person. However, local pandemic-era restrictions on public places like our overseas consular sections curbed our ability to see visa ...
Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia no longer need police clearance for visa
The Saudi embassy in India tweeted they have removed the visa requirement for police clearance certificate for Indians
Finland wants to tighten visa rules for Russians: Foreign Minister Haavisto
Lawmakers across the political spectrum backed the move, according to Yle, in sentiments sparked by Russia's war neighbouring Ukraine, which began in February
 "Finland wants to tighten visa rules for Russians: Foreign Minister Haavisto")
Indian applicants will likely have to wait longer for the US green card
A total of 369,322 applicants, who have approved employment visa petitions, are awaiting visa availability under the EB2 and EB3 categories
 "Indian applicants will likely have to wait longer for the US green card")
Singapore makes move to attract top global tech talent, announces new visa
The two-year visa isn't designed for mid-tier tech workers who might compete with locals for jobs
 "Singapore makes move to attract top global tech talent, announces new visa")
Israel to sign visa exemption deal with UAE, its first with an Arab nation
This is also the maiden visit of a high-level delegation from the UAE to Israel
 "Israel to sign visa exemption deal with UAE, its first with an Arab nation")
US newspapers come together to urge China not to expel their journalists
The US, in announcing the visa limit, cited increasingly harsh surveillance, harassment and intimidation of American and other foreign journalists working in China
 "US newspapers come together to urge China not to expel their journalists")
Get visas for South Africa in a breeze; Thailand, Malaysia ease rules
These measures are part of initiatives by these nations to attract Indian tourists
 "Get visas for South Africa in a breeze; Thailand, Malaysia ease rules")
India to roll out liberalised visa policy to boost trade
In principle, the Home Ministry has agreed to the proposal and would like to implement it after addressing security concerns
