2.12.16

5 ports to receive e-visa holders

The government has included sea ports for the first time in the list of designated entry points under the e-visa scheme. The Union Cabinet has allowed foreigners to immigrate with e-visas at Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Goa and Mangalore ports. These are in addition to the 16 designated airports from where e-visa holders can enter India.
Under the newly approved liberalised visa policy , the government has also revised the annual income threshold for employment visa from the existing $25,000 to Rs.16.25 lakh. However, that is not too much of a difference. That the minimum limit is now expressed in rupees will help insulate it from fluctuations in exchange rates. The annual income threshold has been kept low, at Rs.9.10 lakh per year, for getting employment visa for a teaching job.
The duration of e-visa, which will now be offered not only for tourism but also for short-term medical treatment, business visits and conferences, has been doubled to 60 days from 30 days. As many as eight new nations have been included in the list of e-visa beneficiaries, taking the total number of eligible countries to 158. E-visa can now be applied for upto 120 days in advance. To facilitate medical tourism on e-visa, the new policy proposes separate immigration counters for medical tourists and three entries during the 60-day duration as against dual entry allowed for other e-visa categories. E-visas will be issued within 48 hours of submission of the application for emergency business visits and medical treatment. The policy also offers visas for internships and film shoots by foreign crews.

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