BUSINESS VISA
Prioritising India-UK ties, FTA in focus under new PM Keir Starmer
The India-UK FTA talks began in January 2022 but were stalled in the 14th round as both countries stepped into their general election cycles this year. India saw the new government in the first week and on Friday, it was the UK's. "There is no question in my mind that India will continue to be important for the new Labour government," said Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
UK immigration: Will Starmer make it more difficult for you to move to Britain?
UK PM Keir Starmer may tighten immigration policies, maintaining ECHR membership. Labour aims to reduce net migration from 350,000 annually. Policies include linking immigration and skills, workforce training, apprenticeship levy, Skilled Worker and Seasonal Workers' visas, higher minimum wage penalties, Migration Advisory Committee, health and care visas, family routes review, immigration fees, and Brexit agreements.
Visa, Mastercard to extend non-EU card fee caps to 2029, EU says
Visa and Mastercard will extend tourist card fee caps with EU antitrust regulators until 2029, announced by the European Commission. Set in 2019 to avoid fines, the caps include 0.2% for non-EU debit cards, 0.3% for credit, and 1.15% and 1.5% for card not present transactions. Interchange fees continue generating bank profits.
India, Belarus hold first-ever consular dialogue in Minsk
India and Belarus conducted their inaugural Consular Dialogue in Minsk, addressing a wide range of consular issues including the welfare of Indian students in Belarus and boosting tourism between the two nations. The Indian delegation, led by Aman Puri, Joint Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa Division), engaged with Belarusian counterparts headed by Andrei Kozhan, Head of General Directorate for Consular Affairs at Belarus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Applying for a US student visa? American Embassy has a warning for you
Indian students continue to favor the United States as their top destination for overseas education, with expectations of increased student visa applications in 2024. In 2023, India issued 140,000 student visas, and the number of Indian students in the US surged by 35 percent to reach a record 268,923, constituting over 25 percent of the international student population in the country. Acting spokesperson Nicole Holler highlighted the appeal of US universities for their facilities, faculty quality, research opportunities, and career benefits.
Amazon & Google suspending green card applications: Why EB-5 visa a perfect fix for H-1B challenges and tech layoffs
The EB-5 visa program provides stability, job creation, and a streamlined immigration process, making it a reliable alternative for those facing uncertainties in the tech industry. With a direct path to green card status and economic growth opportunities, EB-5 offers a secure pathway to permanent residency.
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US eyes India for STEM talent, China for humanities students: US diplomat
Campbell urged for increased Indian students in American universities for technology fields while cautioning restrictions on Chinese students' access to sensitive technology due to U.S.-China scientific cooperation concerns.
A new $72,000 migrant smuggling route to the US starts with a charter flight, and many Indians are waiting to board
Indian nationals on a Legend Airlines flight faced challenges in El Salvador as they attempted to reach the U.S. via Mexico. The incident sheds light on a new phase of illegal immigration through intercontinental smuggling routes, impacting U.S. border policies and migrants' journeys.
Why are India's richie rich choosing Dubai to migrate?
A report by Henley & Partners reveals that approximately 4,300 millionaires are expected to leave India this year, with many choosing the UAE as their destination. The UAE's appeal lies in its business opportunities, financial benefits, and high-quality lifestyle, attracting both wealthy individuals and professionals.
Travel ease on horizon? Taiwan mulls visa-on-arrival for Indians
Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chung Kwang Tien, announced on Tuesday that the Taiwanese government is contemplating offering visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens.
4,300 millionaires may leave India this year. Here's where they are moving to
The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024 reveals India's significant net loss of 4,300 millionaires in 2024, reflecting global wealth migration trends driven by various factors like geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.
SOP in final stages to facilitate visa for Chinese technicians needed in mfg units: Official
The Indian government has finalized a standard operating procedure (SOP) to expedite visa approvals for Chinese professionals needed by manufacturing units under the PLI scheme. This move aims to address delays in visa processing for technicians essential for installation, repairs, and training in sectors like textiles and automobiles
Industry executives a worried lot: Why India-China tensions are equal to a big headache for electronics makers
Indian electronics manufacturers have suffered $15 billion in production losses and 100,000 job cuts due to escalating tensions with China. Visa delays for Chinese executives are hindering the industry's expansion plans, leading to a $10 billion export opportunity loss and $2 billion in value addition loss. Government probes into Chinese companies operating in India have further impacted the sector.
Adani One launches cobranded credit cards with ICICI Bank, enters financial services
Adani One, the super app by Adani group, launches cobranded credit card with ICICI Bank. The card offers rewards for spends within Adani ecosystem.
Indian entrepreneur shares plight of Schengen Visa delays, says even Rs 4 lakh and months of waiting aren't enough
An Indian investor based in London, Aashima Arora, missed an international flight despite spending over Rs 4 lakh and waiting months for a Schengen visa to visit Denmark. Arora, a venture capitalist at LocalGlobe, expressed frustration over the lengthy visa process, highlighting the impact on her business plans. The wait time for Schengen visas remains particularly high for Indian travelers.
Steep H-1B fee hike to burn a big hole in IT companies pockets
The steep hike in US H-1B visa fees could spell bad news for Indian IT service providers and dent their pockets significantly, experts and industry insiders have warned.
High airfares remain a challenge, says Thomas Cook India's Madhavan Menon
Thomas Cook India's Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon highlighted high airfares and limited airline capacity as significant challenges affecting both leisure and business travelers in India. Despite an increase in scheduled flights, the demand-supply constraints are expected to ease only in the long term with the introduction of new aircraft. Menon outlined the company's plans to expand its physical network through owned and franchise outlets and enhance its digital presence.
India, Russia to sign pact for visa-free tourism this year
"India is at the final stage of internal state coordination," Nikita Kondratyev, director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry's Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, said on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2024" in Kazan.
Australia overhauls immigration system with new Innovation Visa
The Australian government introduces an innovation visa to attract talented workers, replacing the Global Talent visa program. The move marks the end of the Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) and includes measures to address post-pandemic challenges, such as rental market impact and inflation rates.
UK universities at risk as international student numbers plunge, report says
A government-commissioned report warns that further restrictions on international student numbers in Britain could lead to university closures and job losses. The Migration Advisory Committee found a significant drop in postgraduate student registrations, raising concerns about the impact on education quality and the economy.
Ankush Aggarwal returns to Ola Cabs; declining H-1B visas for IT staff
Happy Tuesday! Ola Cabs founder Bhavish Aggarwal’s brother Ankush is back at the ride-hailing business. More on this in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
China willing to help Indian firms to cater to its market demand: Envoy Xu Feihong
China's new envoy to India, Xu Feihong, has stated that the Chinese market is open to all countries, including India. He emphasized that Beijing understands India's concerns over its burgeoning trade deficit and is willing to help Indian companies tap into the Chinese market. The trade deficit reached USD 101 billion in 2022, crossing the $100 billion mark. Xu reiterated that China understands India's concerns and is not seeking a trade surplus.
Antigua, Grenada, Dominica: Citizenship-related visas explained
Caribbean's CBI programs offer diverse benefits like visa-free travel, low living costs, and multiple citizenships. Antigua, Grenada, and Dominica provide unique investment options. CARICOM allows free movement and residency in 20 countries, fostering economic cooperation and integration.
'Golden visa' programs, once a boon, lose their luster
In an effort to close huge budget deficits, six eurozone nations granted the visas in 2012, during the height of Europe's fiscal crisis. Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Greece were among the nations in need of international bailouts. These nations were in particular short of cash to pay back creditors and saw an opportunity to attract investors while reviving their stagnant real estate markets.
UK makes it more expensive for residents and citizens to sponsor relatives on Family Visas
The UK increased Family Visa income to GBP 29,000, aligning with Skilled Worker visa levels. Measures aim to curb legal migration, ensure income sustainability, and address public services strain, impacting around 300,000 people.
Abu Dhabi is trying to lure traders with perks on country clubs & school admissions
Abu Dhabi officials are strategically positioning the city as a top financial center by offering perks and leveraging sovereign wealth capital. The city's growth is evident with the influx of global financial firms and professionals, solidifying its status in the industry.
India's $100 bn trade pact with EFTA has a lot for Indians wanting to work in Europe
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members— Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—signed a groundbreaking $100 billion free trade pact, set to commence in a few months. This agreement encompasses the opening up of over 120 services by Switzerland, including audit, legal, IT, and healthcare, benefiting Indian companies with relaxed visa regulations for workers and professionals.
UK visa fees spike as Sunak government hikes health surcharge by 66%
Starting February 6, the United Kingdom will introduce a significant hike in its immigration health surcharge (IHS) for visa applicants. Applications submitted before January 6 will not be subject to the higher surcharge. The Sunak government also raised visa fees for tourists, students, and foreign workers, including an additional £15 for visit visas and an increase of £127 for student visas.
Green Card 101: Can Indians on a student visa opt for an EB-5 visa? Here's a step-by-step guide
Indian students in the U.S. on F-1 visas face unique challenges and aspirations. The EB-5 visa program, known as the Immigrant Investor Program, offers a direct path to U.S. permanent residency and citizenship for international students. It eliminates the unpredictability of student visas and provides financial benefits such as access to in-state tuition rates and educational grants.
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