Tag Archives: Indians

Germany to roll out Digital Schengen visas for Indians

At a time, when visitations from India to its shores are at a record-high, Germany will be rolling out Digital Schengen visas for Indian nationals by the second quarter of 2025, said its Chennai-based Consul General Michaela Küchler.

In 2023, German diplomatic missions in India issued more than 1.8 lakh (180,000) Schengen Visas to Indians, and for 2024 the number is expected to surpass the 2 lakh (200,000) mark, as per a Wion report by Siddharth MP.

She added that the total time for obtaining a Schengen Visa (including appointment wait time and processing time) from a German mission takes less than four weeks for applicants from Southern India.

Schengen region refers to Europe’s passport-free zone covering most European countries. The largest free travel area in the world, it spans 29 countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the unrestricted movement of people. Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work.

The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
(Source: Wion)

Philippines has been eyeing the Indian market aggressively in the past decade.

Philippines implements e-Visa system for Indians

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has officially launched its e-Visa system for India, enabling Indian nationals to apply for visas online. This marks a significant step in enhancing accessibility and convenience for travelers to the Philippines.

Online Application Now Available
Indian applicants can visit evisa.gov.ph to apply for e-Visas remotely. Payments can be made securely via direct bank transfer, eliminating the need for in-person visits to consulates.

Successful Launch and Implementation
The full implementation, announced in a DFA advisory dated November 29, follows the system’s successful soft launch and beta testing in August 2023. Operations officially commenced on October 28 at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi and the Honorary Consulates in Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

As of October 31, over 7,259 e-Visas have been issued, with applicants praising the system for its convenience, reliability, and user-friendly interface. Enhancements have since been integrated to further improve the user experience, developed in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Milestones Achieved
During the beta testing phase, the first Indian e-Visa holder entered the Philippines on April 13, passing through immigration counters smoothly. This milestone affirmed the seamless integration of the e-Visa system with the country’s e-Travel registration system.

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive from January 2023 to extend e-Visa services to Chinese and Indian nationals. It was highlighted as a priority in his State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024, as part of the Philippines’ digital transformation agenda.

Boost for Tourism and Connectivity
The e-Visa system is expected to facilitate travel for Indian nationals, promoting tourism and strengthening bilateral ties. With its user-friendly features and streamlined processes, the initiative positions the Philippines as a forward-thinking destination for international travellers.

 

Indians largest group to avail UK visas for Visit, Study & Work till year ending June 2024

Indian nationals were the largest group to receive UK visas for Visit, Study and Work categories in the year ending June 2024, said HE Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, at the inauguration of the new state-of-art UK visa application facility operated by VFS Global in Delhi yesterday.

UK visa customers from India will now enjoy a smoother process. At VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres (VACs), biometrics will be enrolled first, followed by document scanning for non-digital customers. This change reduces wait times and enhances service under the global UK visa services contract secured by VFS Global in December 2023. Many VACs have also relocated or upgraded to state-of-the-art facilities across India.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said, “The UK-India partnership is built on millions of personal connections, shared dreams, and collective aspirations. I’m delighted to launch the refurbished VFS Visa Application Centre for UK visa and passport applications in Delhi. We’re introducing significant improvements in our visa services across India, further strengthening our already excellent visa offering for Indian nationals. The vast majority of Visit, Work and Study visa applications we receive are processed within 3 weeks and there are no caps on visa appointments.”

Matt Heath, Visits & ETA Network Deputy Director, UK Visas and Immigration, remarked, “I am delighted to be here, in Delhi, to inaugurate this visa application centre, we extend our sincere thanks to VFS for their outstanding support in facilitating close to a million visa applications for Indian nationals in the recent year ending June 2024.

For the last two years, UKVI has consistently met our customer service standards, making visa decisions for visit, work or study routes within 15 working days for standard applications, 5 working days for priority applications, and an impressive 1 working day for super priority applicants. I’m pleased to report that VFS consistently offer biometric appointments for UK visa applicants within 5 working days. In fact, the current waiting time is a mere 1 to 2 working days. This is a testament to our commitment to providing swift and efficient services.

I’d also like to emphasise that UKVI does not cap appointments at the front end. We consistently have appointments available for customers at our visa application centres, ensuring flexibility and convenience for all applicants.

Looking ahead, the UK Government is moving towards a ‘digital by default’ immigration system by 2025, introducing eVisas to enhance the customer experience, deliver excellent value, and increase the security and efficiency of our immigration system. While we’re excited about these innovations, we’re also committed to ensuring the safety and security of all visa applicants. I urge everyone to stay vigilant against visa fraud. Remember, UKVI will never contact you through social media, ask for payment by email or into a personal bank account, or guarantee visa offers in exchange for payment to third parties.”

Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, said, “We are deeply humbled by UKVI’s continued faith and support and are excited to welcome travellers to the UK at this new facility. Our partnership with UKVI and the British High Commission has grown from strength to strength through our 21 years of association here in India, and their steadfast partnership encourages us to keep putting our best foot forward in providing UK visa services across our locations of operations.”

VFS Global’s UK Visa Application Centres in eight cities across India have relocated to new, larger premises – Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mysuru and Kochi.

Additionally, travellers can visit one of the 13 Premium Application Centres across India in Amritsar, Bhopal, Calicut, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Indore, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Mohali, Nasik, Noida, Shimla and Vizag. These centres provide additional optional touchpoints for customers looking for further comfort and convenience in their application process.

Germany slash Visa processing time for skilled Indian workers

 

Germany is urgently seeking skilled workers, leading the country to fast-track visa applications for Indian nationals. According to Schengen News, the waiting time for Indian applicants has been reduced to just two weeks. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, emphasised the importance of this move, stating that the Federal Agency for Foreign Affairs operates the world’s largest visa office for national visas and that the country desperately needs skilled workers to support its economy.

This push to attract foreign talent is reflected in the rising number of visas issued. Between January and June 2024, Germany granted 80,000 employment-related visas, with half of them going to skilled workers. This figure represents a 3,000 increase compared to the same period in 2023, underscoring the country’s commitment to bringing in qualified professionals from abroad.

For Indian skilled workers looking to move to Germany, the process has become more accessible. Applicants must ensure they meet eligibility criteria, such as holding a recognised qualification, securing a job offer from a German employer, and potentially proving German language proficiency. The streamlined application process involves gathering the necessary documents, booking an appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate in India, and following post-arrival steps like registering their address and applying for a residence permit.

Germany’s appeal as a destination for Indian professionals and students has grown significantly. Factors such as affordability, a robust education system, simplified visa procedures, and numerous English-taught programs have made Germany a popular choice. The country has seen a 107% increase in Indian students over the past four years, further solidifying its status as an attractive destination for both work and education.

India ranks 82nd on global passport index

As per the latest ranking by the Henley Passport Index, India is on the 82nd spot with visa-free entry to Indians offered by 58 nations.

This ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). India’s current rank ties it with nations like Senegal and Tajikistan.

Singapore passport has been named the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 countries, as per the list. France, Italy, Germany and Spain tied with Japan in second place, providing passport holders access to 192 countries. Then, in third place in the ranking, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden all have visa-free access to 191 destinations.

The United Kingdom is the fourth place, alongside New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland. Australia and Portugal shared the No. 5 spot, while the United States dropped down to eighth place, with visa-free access to 186 countries.

India’s passport ranked 82nd on the list, with citizens allowed to travel to 58 countries without a visa, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Neighbouring Pakistan is positioned at 100th, providing passport holders access to 33 countries. At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan with easy access to 26 destinations.
Christian Kaelin, Chair of Henley and Partners, said, “The global average number of destinations travellers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than it has ever been,” he said in a statement.

 

Record student visas to Indians last year, number likely to cross this year: US Embassy

After issuing a record 1,40,000 student visas last year, the US consular team in India is all geared up to meet the expected rise in number of applications from Indian students in 2024, with a senior official at the embassy here saying that the projected total number this year will be “similar or in excess” in comparison to last year. The US Mission in India on June 13 held its eighth annual Student Visa Day countrywide with consular officers from New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai interviewing Indian student visa applicants. At the US Embassy in Delhi, a long queue of students was seen since morning. American universities attract a large number of Indian students, and last year, the US consular team in India issued over 1,40,000 student visas — higher than for any other country setting a record for the third year in a row. Syed Mujtaba Andrabi, acting Consul General at US Embassy in New Delhi, in an interaction at the embassy, said, “by the end of the day, we should have interviewed approximately 4,000 students.”

“It (student visas) is one of our top priorities. Academic exchange between the two countries is one of the top priorities of this administration, and our Mission here. Last year, we issued a record number of student visas, numbering 1,40,000, which has been a record…And, we will continue to focus on this area, as we go forward during this year,” Andrabi said. “We will continue to have the same focus, and maximise the number of students,” he added. Asked about the extent of the expected rise in student visas in 2024, he said, “It will be similar or in excess” to last year. America gives “high priority” to student visas because it knows people-to-people ties “last a lifetime,” US envoy Eric Garcetti had said in an interview here late April. In 2023, the US Mission in India had processed a record 1.4 million visas overall. (Source: Millennium Post)