INDIAN PASSPORTS

EU’s proposed sustainability standards to hurt Indian exports: GTRI

EU's ESPR regulation, criticized by GTRI, may raise costs and impact exports from developing nations due to stringent sustainability standards and Digital Product Passport requirement.

Bookings for no-visa destinations observes rise among Indian tourists this summer

Bookings for visa-free destinations from India are surging this summer, driven by young Indians. Airbnb reports 80% of bookings in Thailand by Indian guests are from Gen Z and millennials, with searches increasing over 200% during Easter and Holi long weekends.

Indians can now visit 62 countries visa-free; Check the full list to know more

India's passport has advanced to the 80th global position, per the Henley Passport Index. This newfound status allows Indian citizens visa-free travel to 62 countries, simplifying their exploration. Notable countries topping the index are France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, granting their citizens access to 194 destinations without visa hassles. The United States holds the seventh spot with entry to 188 countries.

Maldives decides to amend laws to ban Israeli passport holders

Maldivian government decides to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country amid public anger over Gaza attacks.

Action to follow after 10-day deadline for response to notice expires: MEA on cancellation of Prajwal's diplomatic passport

Suspended JD(U) MP Prajwal Revanna, accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, must respond to a show-cause notice from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) by June 2 regarding the revocation of his diplomatic passport. The MEA issued the notice on May 23, following a request from the Karnataka government amid sexual abuse allegations. Revanna, currently in Germany, is expected to return to India on May 31. An arrest warrant and an Interpol Blue Corner Notice have been issued against him. His father, H D Revanna, also faces related charges but is out on bail.

MEA on cancelling JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna’s diplomatic passport 'We had initiated action'

Study Abroad: Challenges and opportunities for Indian students

Studying abroad has long been a cherished aspiration for many Indian students, offering opportunities for global careers and expanded knowledge. Despite the challenges posed by stricter immigration policies and increased scrutiny, the desire for international education remains strong. Factors driving this trend include the diversity of academic programs, global exposure, availability of scholarships, and access to advanced technology and innovation.

India carries out first ever digitisation of documents of diaspora

The Indian Embassy Muscat, in collaboration with the National Archives of India, conducted a pioneering project to archive historical documents of the Indian diaspora in Oman.

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.

Mehul Choksi says 'reasons beyond his control' have prevented his return to India

Mehul Choksi, a prominent figure in the multi-crore PNB scam, conveyed to a special court his inability to return to India, citing reasons beyond his control. He asserted that this circumstance should preclude him from being labeled a "fugitive economic offender." Choksi maintained that his departure from India was not motivated by a desire to evade criminal prosecution, nor is he unwilling to come back to the country. He cited the suspension of his passport by Indian authorities as a factor contributing to his current situation.

Here is why the US ‘keeps trying to cap visas for Indians’

Harbir K Bhatia, CEO of the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significant role of skilled Indian immigrants in America's tech industry, stating that the sector heavily relies on them for innovation and talent. She emphasized that Indians excel in various professions, including technology, farming, and healthcare.

Delhi Police uncovers trafficking of Rohingyas from Myanmar to India & Russia

Delhi Police uncovered a racket involved in trafficking of Rohingyas from Myanmar through Bangladesh to various regions of India and other foreign nations. Two individuals, one of whom was an agent from Myanmar’s Rakhine, were apprehended in Hyderabad following the return of a Myanmar couple who had traveled to Russia using counterfeit Indian passports to New Delhi.

Safari in mind? Indian passport can take you to these African countries visa-free

Kenya is synonymous with African safaris. Witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, spot the Big Five in Amboseli National Park, or relax on the pristine beaches of Mombasa. Explore the vibrant capital Nairobi or delve into the rich history of the Great Rift Valley.

Most powerful passports of 2024: India drops to 85th in February on global passport index

India has slipped to the 85th spot on the Henley Passport Index. Six countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Singapore, jointly hold the top position, offering visa-free access to a record-breaking number of destinations. Four EU members have joined them at the top: Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.

Global Passport Index: India regains lost points, rises three spots in Henley's rankings of most powerful passports

India has ascended to the 82nd position on the Henley Passport Index, up from 85th in February. The index, updated monthly, reveals that six countries share the top spot, granting their citizens visa-free access to a record number of destinations. Among these, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Singapore lead the pack, enabling travel to 194 out of 227 destinations without a visa requirement.

Portugal is Europe's last open door for immigrants

Portugal's open immigration policy has led to a significant increase in the foreign-born population. South Asian workers play a crucial role in the country's agriculture. While challenges remain, Portugal's generous laws and positive attitude towards migrants contribute to their integration and overall success.

Haryana police to cancel passport, visa of violent farm protesters: DSP Joginder Sharma, India's 2007 World Cup Hero

The Haryana Police have sought the cancellation of passports and visas of individuals involved in violence during the farmers' agitation. This move comes as farmers from Punjab are considering resuming their march to Delhi. The protest aims to pressure the central government to accept demands such as a legal guarantee for minimum support prices for crops and a farm loan waiver.

India extends validity of PIO cards to up to December 31, 2024

The Indian Immigration authorities have extended the validity of all Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards, including handwritten ones, until December 31, 2024. The PIO cardholders can continue to use their cards for entry and exit into India until the new deadline.

NRIs, OCI cardholders, PIO, foreigners can donate to Ayodhya Ram Mandir; here's how

Many individuals are not aware that even non-Indian passport holders or ‘devotees living abroad’ like OCIs (Overseas Citizen of India), PIOs (Person of Indian Origin) and foreigners can also now donate money to the Ram Mandir.

What are Golden Passports? Benefits, advantages, and how to choose the best country option

Indians accounted for 9.4% of global applicants for golden passports in 2022, offering citizenship through investments. Golden passports offer advantages such as diversification of business interests, global investment prospects, and an expanded business network. They also provide tax planning opportunities and serve as a safety net in times of economic instability.

9.4 per cent of all Golden passport applicants are Indian: Here is what draws them to it

Indians accounted for 9.4% of global applicants for golden passports in 2022, which offer citizenship through investment or property purchases. For Indian businesspeople, having a higher-ranking passport can facilitate ease of business and cross-border mobility. Certain countries, such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, provide visa-free access to a large number of countries, including the EU and UK.

Passport renewals for NRIs: A step-by-step guide to renewing your Indian passport from within the country and abroad

Indian passport holders, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), need to renew their passports when they expire. The process for renewal or reissue is similar and involves filling out an application form, visiting a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for verification, and completing police verification if necessary. NRIs can renew their passports in India by following these steps. For NRIs residing overseas, the renewal process can be completed at consular jurisdiction centers or through VFS Global. The processing time for passport renewal can take three to eight weeks.

A passport to everywhere

For many HNIs, Citizenship By Investment (CBI) and Golden Passports are portals to a world where boundaries are fluid.