MHA launches 6 new Indian visas & alters Immigration rules

Home Affairs Ministry of India has recently launched 6 new Indian visas and altered the immigration rules in several ways. The policy of visa cancellation is now changed. If an overseas national intends to utilize short-term visa to India while holding the long-term visa issued by the Indian consulate, the latter will not be canceled now. Instead, it will be kept on hold till the time of validity of the short-term visa. This includes E-visa, Transit visa or Conference visa, as quoted by the Times of India.

The Electronic Business Visa E-BV under the E-Visa scheme has been altered to facilitate visits for purposes of business. 5 new Indian visas have been launched under the sub-categories of Business Visas. These are:

• B-5 Visa – for non-scheduled airlines crew who operate special and chartered flights
• B-6 Visa – Overseas Experts and Academicians covered by GIAN
• B-7 Visa – Overseas nationals who are business partners & or functioning as company Directors
• B-8 Visa – miscellaneous categories that are qualified for Business Visa and are not covered through any of the sub-categories of Business Visas
• B-Sports VISA – Overseas nationals who are associated with business sports in India through contract and receive remuneration that includes coaches

A new subcategory has been added to the Indian Student Visas for overseas students who arrive in India for Theological studies and for Missionary students.

Overseas nationals are strictly required to comply and adhere to the visit purpose declared when they submit the application for visas. The applicants must apply under the broad category “Visa”. This is only in the scenario when they are unsure regarding suitable subcategory or if the activities proposed by them do not fall under any subcategories.

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