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The US State Department has quietly implemented recommendations of a presidential commission which has suggested steps like opening up American diplomatic missions outside India for visa appointments to reduce the visa backlog in the country. India was one of the very few countries where applications for US visas saw a major upswing after coronavirus-related travel restrictions were lifted. Moved by a commission member, Ajay Jain Bhutoria from Silicon Valley, the presidential commission observed that inordinate visa appointment delays were causing huge problems for the students and visitors who have plans to come to study in the US and visit the country. The State Department should allow virtual interviews where applicable and allow staff from embassies around the world and the US consular staff to help conduct the virtual interviews at embassies with high backlogs and help clear them, the commission recommended. The recommendations included opening up American diplomatic missions outside India for visa appointments, having more counters and deploying additional resources to process visa applications. The <keyword id="50596" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-embassy" source="Orion">US Embassy</keyword> in India processed over 1 lakh applications just in January 2023, their highest total in a single month and the highest in any month since July 2019. In its December meeting, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders recommended several steps to reduce the growing delay in visa appointment times in India and other countries like Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. It recommended the State Department hire new Full-Time officers/consular or Temporary Staff or contractors or bring back retired consular officers to clear the backlog at Embassies in Asia which have wait times of 400 or more days and shrink the wait time to 2-4 weeks be clearing the visa application backlog. The State Department could also use staff from other embassies around the world to help clear the backlog in countries in Asia which have huge backlogs and delays in visa appointments, it had recommended. The advisory committee noted that in 2012 President Barack Obama issued a memo to reduce the wait time from several months to a few days and this memo streamlined the visa process. The Trump administration had rescinded the President Obama memo, and this is also contributing as one of the factors in causing delays for Visa appointments, it said. As such, it recommended that President Joe Biden should consider issuing a memo to the State Department to shrink the visa appointment wait times to 2-4 weeks maximum for countries with significant backlogs including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries in a similar situation. There have been growing concerns in India over the long waiting period for first-time visa applicants, especially for those applying under B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) categories. The waiting period for first-time B1/B2 visa applicants in India was close to three years in October last year. In January, the State Department not only implemented remote processing of interview waiver cases for applicants with previous US visas but also launched several initiatives, including scheduling special interviews for first-time applicants and increasing the strength of consular staff. It also conducted "special Saturday interview days" on January 21. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-unleashes-ai-powered-updates-to-revamp-user-experience-on-maps-search-and-translate/articleshow/97761551.cms">Google unleashes AI-powered updates to revamp user experience on Maps, Search and Translate</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/now-find-ev-charging-stations-in-google-maps-near-you/articleshow/97759525.cms">Now find EV charging stations in Google Maps near you</a>

US State Department implements several recommendations of presidential commission to reduce visa backlog in India

India on Monday stepped up tougher border control measures to combat the Covid-19 outbreak as the number of patients is rising mostly from travel history to affected countries. The fresh restrictions both for outbound and inbound travel now include major European countries including France, Spain and Germany. The government strategy at containment is now veering towards border controls as several other countries have also rolled out travel curbs to and from Covid-19 affected countries. The fresh advisory issued after a review meeting by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba underlines the fact that the Covid-19 infection has now spread to as many as 100 countries and travellers to these countries, or any person having travelled abroad, might possibly have come in contact with people affected with Covid-19 during their stay there or even while in transit at airports. An advisory has been issued for all incoming international passengers returning to India to self-monitor their health and follow the recommended "DOs and DON'Ts". The advisory also calls for passengers with travel history to China, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Malaysia, France, Spain and Germany to undergo self-imposed quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of their arrival, and their employers to facilitate work-from-home for such employees during this period. Further, in continuation of already issued advisories on travel to India citizens, India citizens are strongly advised to refrain from travelling to France, Spain and Germany. Besides the already issued instructions, all regular Visas (including e-Visas) which have been granted to nationals of France, Germany and Spain on or before March 11 and where these foreigners have not yet entered India stands suspended. Regular visas (including e-Visas) granted to all foreign nationals who have travel history to these countries on or after February 1 and who have not yet entered India also stands suspended. In addition, the government also has announced strict guidelines for international cruise ships to call on an Indian port to curb Covid-19 outbreak. The advisory follows several cruise ships like Diamond Princess which became infestations of the virus and are stuck at the ports. A standard operating procedure (SOP) has been put in place with immediate effect for international cruise ships. Cruise ships which had intimated their call to Indian port prior to January 1 will be allowed. Any ship, crew or passenger which has a history of visiting a Covid-19 affected country since February 1 will not be permitted to enter any Indian port till March 31. The cruise ships will be allowed on ports having thermal screening facility for passengers and crew. If any passengers or crew show symptoms of the disease, they will not be allowed to disembark. The passenger will be quarantined on the ship. If the samples are found to be positive, the passenger will be shifted to an isolation facility attached to the port and the ship be asked to move out. The Shipping Agent of the vessel will have to produce travel history of the crew and passengers. No sick passengers will be allowed to board the ship. All aboard the ship will have to fill in a self reporting form and give it to the Port Health Officer. The government in its advisory has said that cruise ships need to take special measures to ensure that <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> affected patients do not board the ship in the first place. Any cruise guests who have travelled to China, Hong Kong, Iran, South Korea and Italy in the past 14 days are automatically denied boarding by the cruise. Any person having contact with anyone within last 14 days prior to travel who has travel history to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Iran or Italy or any other affected countries is automatically denied boarding. Mandatory screening is to be performed on persons exhibiting influenza type symptoms in board ports terminals. At the check in counter of the boarding ports, the guest passport is scanned for stamps for any Covid-19 affected countries. All cruise ships have been asked to carry out examination of the passengers daily for any symptoms of the disease.

India seals its borders with fresh restrictions as Covid-19 cases rise

By Kushan Sarkar (Eds: Updating with fresh quotes and details) New Delhi, Mar 12 () No foreign player will be available for this year's IPL till April 15 due to visa restrictions imposed by the government to contain the deadly novel <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> outbreak, a top BCCI source told on Thursday, casting fresh doubts on the fate of the event. A closed-door IPL seems like a real possibility now but even a postponement cannot be ruled out given that 60-odd overseas recruits won't be available to ply their trade, at least in the intial stages of the event starting March 29 in Mumbai. "The foreign players who play in the IPL come under the Business Visa category. As per the government's directive, they can't come till April 15," a BCCI source told on conditions of anonymity. The fate of the IPL itself will be decided on March 14 at the event's Governing Council meeting in Mumbai. "All decisions will be taken by the GC in Mumbai," the source said. The government issued a fresh advisory with a ban on all existing foreign visas, except a few categories like diplomatic and employment, till April 15 in the wake of new positive cases of novel coronavirus in the country. India has reported 60 positive cases in the outbreak which has led to over 4,000 deaths globally. The "Details of Visas Granted by India" manual of the Ministry of Home Affairs states: "Foreign nationals who are engaged in commercial sports events in India on contract (including coaches) like <keyword id="6354831" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</keyword>, Indian Soccer League, etc. with remuneration. "They may be granted 'B-Sports' Visa with multiple entry facility for 13 appropriate period. Such a foreign national shall comply with all the statutory obligations like payment of taxes, etc." The BCCI source said that the government's directive doesn't specifically exempt those with Business Visas. "There is a clear distinction between employment Visa which has been granted exemption and the business visa. So it's better we dont take the risk." Having the IPL played in empty stadiums is an option being explored but without foreign players, it will certainly lack the zing which makes it the most successful T20 event in the world. "The Future Tours Program is such that if the IPL is postponed, most of the marquee foreign players might not be available as after this April-May, there isn't any window available. All other teams have bilateral commitments. At best, we can have it closed doors," the source said. The Road Safety Legends T20 meet from Thursday will be held behind closed doors with matches in Pune cancelled due to eight COVID-19 cases being reported in the city. The Maharashtra and Karnataka governments are already wary of organising home games of <keyword id="13880" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai-Indians">Mumbai Indians</keyword> and the <keyword id="6354506" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers-Bangalore">Royal Challengers Bangalore</keyword>.

IPL in trouble after India restricts visas that will keep foreign players away

<ul><li>The Indian IT industry body <keyword id="6372077" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="nasscom">NASSCOM</keyword> wants the US to relax the post-unemployment period for <keyword id="399506" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="H1-B-visa">H1-B visa</keyword> holders to 180 days. </li><li>This is crucial to Indian employees there as they can not avail the unemployment benefits in the US. </li><li>It also wants the US to ease Labor Condition Application (LCA) norms which allows employees to work from home. </li><li>The US Labor Department reported 3.28 million registrations in a week, claiming unemployment benefits since millions of Americans have already lost jobs in this turmoil. </li></ul>All the software engineers working in the US have been living a dream, until a few months back. Now, not only are they at high risk of contracting <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword>, they are worried about their employment, visa status and their future. The Indian IT industry body Nasscom is asking the US Labor Department to allow Indian IT employees to stay back longer as India closes its borders. As of now, Indians who lose their job in the country can stay a maximum of two months before they need to leave the country. Nasscom wants it extended to six months. "We have requested the Departments of Homeland Service, Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for a 90 day grace period for professionals to depart the U.S. following expiration of their H-1B/ L-1 visas,” Nasscom said. <a href="https://www.immi-usa.com/h1b-visa/">H-1B</a> is a work visa that allows skilled Indians to work in the US for up to six years. This is the most sought after visa among immigrants as it allows to work for multiple employers at the same time. L1 visas are given to the foreign workers who are temporarily transferred to the country. Several Indian employees filed a petition to the White House seeking extension of the post-unemployment period. “Most H-1B workers are from India and cannot travel home with children who are US citizens as many nations announced an entry ban, including India. H-1B workers cater to the economy at large, mainly supporting the IT Industry with high tax contributions,” <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/h1b-workers-seek-180-instead-of-60-day-stay-in-us-post-unemployment-period/articleshow/74905470.cms">the petition said</a>. This is crucial for Indian employees as they can not avail unemployment benefits in the US. They have no social security benefits either. So, if they lose jobs, they will have to return to India along with their families. The US Labor Department said that as many as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/number-of-coronavirus-cases-in-us-news-and-updates/articleshow/74841159.cms">3.28 million Americans registered to claim</a> unemployment benefits in a week, after the pandemic struck. Researchers estimate that as many as 47 million people in the US can go unemployed during the recession — and the H1-B visa holders will be the first to go. Nasscom is also asking employers to allow Indians to work from home. “We have sought ease of Labor Condition Application (LCA) norms to allow for work from home,” Nasscom added. The LCA is submitted by the companies sponsoring the H1-B employees. The employers can not file the petition for the H1-B visa without LCA. Meanwhile, the United States reported over 4,000 Coronavirus deaths so far, according to the latest tally from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE). That is more than double the count three days earlier — and over 40% of the deaths in the US were in New York. The total number of Coronavirus infections also spiked to 163,000, as on March 31. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/number-of-coronavirus-cases-in-us-news-and-updates/articleshow/74841159.cms">Coronavirus in US: Over 4,000 dead and 40% of them are from New York</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/h1b-workers-seek-180-instead-of-60-day-stay-in-us-post-unemployment-period/articleshow/74905470.cms">H1B workers seek 180 instead of 60-day stay in US post-unemployment period</a>

Indian software engineers in US need a lease of life and extension of H1-B visa grace period, says Nasscom

<ul><li><keyword id="6356687" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="canada">Canada</keyword> implemented a series of measures, including the ban on entry to all travellers who are not Canadian citizens and permanent residents, to stem the spread of COVID-19 in mid-March.</li><li>The ban, which also allows the immediate family members of Canadian citizens, diplomats and aircrews to come into Canada, expired on Tuesday night.</li><li>The ban exempts the US, which entered into a separate agreement with Canada shortly after the halt on all other foreign travel. </li></ul>Ottawa, Canada has extended the incumbent ban on international travellers until July 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to authorities. "The government remains committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Canada," Xinhua news agency quoted the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as saying on Tuesday. Canada implemented a series of measures, including the ban on entry to all travellers who are not Canadian citizens and permanent residents, to stem the spread of COVID-19 in mid-March. The ban, which also allows the immediate family members of Canadian citizens, diplomats and aircrews to come into Canada, expired on Tuesday night. The ban exempts the US, which entered into a separate agreement with Canada shortly after the halt on all other foreign travel. The agreement, which prohibits non-essential travel between Canada and the US, remains in effect until July 21. Under the agreement, essential workers, such as truckers and health workers, are allowed to cross the border. Tuesday's extension comes after the European Union agreed to allow tourists from 15 countries to enter the EU beginning tomorrow. Canada is one of the 15 countries on a safe list, while the US has been excluded. Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed a proposal to relax the ban on international travellers, saying that moving too quickly could spark a second wave of the coronavirus in Canada. The Trudeau government has also renewed the Quarantine Act requiring travellers to isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada. The act has been extended to August 31.

Canada extends ban on international travellers to July 31

The <keyword id="160935" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="UK-Home-Office">UK Home Office</keyword> on Thursday formally opened its new post-study work visa for international students, which would offer overseas graduates from <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and other destinations the option to apply for the right to stay on for job experience at the end of their university courses. The <keyword id="23976" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="graduate">Graduate</keyword> route visa, announced last year by UK Home Secretary <keyword id="132666" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Priti-Patel">Priti Patel</keyword>, is now open for applications from this week and is expected to particularly benefit Indian students, who are known to choose their degree courses based on the prospect of work experience. The Graduate route is designed for international graduates who have been awarded their degree from a recognised UK university to stay on and look for work for at least two years. "To put it into some context, last year more than 56,000 Indian nationals were granted a student visa, that's a 13 per cent increase on the previous year, and that is almost now a quarter of all student visas issued by the UK," Patel told . "When you think about those numbers, think about the totality in terms of how this route will benefit India, it's a very, very big move. And, we will continue to work with the various academic institutions on making this route viable," she said. For the new route, international graduates must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance with the government's immigration requirements. It is unsponsored, meaning applicants do not need a job offer to apply and crucially they can use a two-year period to stay on and look for a job. There are no minimum salary requirements or caps on numbers, allowing graduates on the route to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required. "As we build back better, it is vital that the UK continues to be a beacon for talented young people across the globe who want to make a difference. The new Graduate route does just that, giving the best and brightest graduates the opportunity to continue contributing to the UK's prosperity and the freedom to kickstart their careers in the UK," said Patel. A coronavirus concession on the date by which students must enter the UK to qualify for the route, if they started courses in 2020 and are unable to travel due to the pandemic, was recently extended. Applicants who began their studies in autumn 2020 or in spring 2021 will need to be in the UK on a student visa by September 27 this year. Students beginning their course later this year or early next year will need to be in the UK by April 6, 2022. This has been welcomed by Indian student groups in the UK, concerned about India's categorisation under the red list of countries from where travel currently remains banned, making it compulsory for Indian students to quarantine at considerably additional expense. "Many other countries do not offer that microcosm, foundation of diaspora community, natural heritage, all the cultural links, all the values that we share between our two countries. That puts us in a very strong position, both for Indian students coming here and securing their future opportunities in the workplace," Patel said. The new route, part of the <keyword id="3444934" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="post-brexit">post-Brexit</keyword> points-based immigration system, is pegged as part of the UK's Global Britain message of attracting the best talent from around the world and covers all parts of the United Kingdom. "International students are a vital part of our society, and those who graduate from our world-leading universities should have the opportunity to stay and build meaningful careers here in the UK," said Universities Minister Michelle Donelan. "That is why we are introducing this new route for international graduates, enabling British businesses to attract and retain some of the brightest, most talented graduates across the globe, and helping this nation build back better from the pandemic," she said. Anne Marie Graham, Chief Executive of UK Council for International Student Affairs, said: "We know that employability is a priority for international students coming to study in the UK. "International students who are able to access this route will have the flexibility to apply for work in any sector or role that fits their skills profile, including self-employment without the need for employer sponsorship." To apply under the new Graduate route, international students must have completed an eligible course at a recognised UK higher education provider at undergraduate or higher level. Students on the route will be able to work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of two years, or three years for Doctoral PhD students. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) was among the groups that actively lobbied the UK government for such a post-study visa route. "Genuine Indian applicants with demonstrable skills should considerably benefit," it added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/twitter-is-giving-away-140-free-nfts-to-followers-and-theyre-not-available-any-other-way/articleshow/84010546.cms">Twitter is giving away 140 free NFTs to followers — and they’re not available any other way</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/new-technology-is-putting-conventional-jobs-out-of-business-msme-exchange-panelists-highlight-on-how-it-helps-in-the-long-run/articleshow/84013275.cms">New technology is putting conventional jobs out of business -- MSME Exchange panelists highlight on how it helps in the long run</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/swiggy-coo-vivek-sunder-will-be-exiting-the-company-by-october/articleshow/84010468.cms">Swiggy COO Vivek Sunder will be exiting the company by October, CEO Sriharsha Majety may take over</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/vodafone-idea-stocks-tank-after-march-quarter-results/articleshow/84010118.cms">Vodafone Idea shares in deep red as an uncertain future looms</a>

Students looking to immigrate to UK can now start applying for the new post-study work visa route

<ul><li>The UK government is all set to introduce a new student visa route on October 5. </li><li>The new student visa will make it easier for international students to get visas and look for work after finishing their education. </li><li>Under the new system, students will require a total of 70 points to be granted a visa.</li></ul>The Boris Johnson government, earlier this week, announced new student visa routes that will allow international students to get visas more easily and stay in the UK post-study. The new visa route for international students will open on October 5 and will replace the previous Tier 4 visa route. UK universities have seen <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8f3ab80a-ec2b-427d-80ae-38ad27ad423d">record admissions</a> despite the COVID-19 pandemic. And this influx of international students stands testament to the popularity of the UK as their destination choice. Moreover, the new UK post-study work (PSW) visa allows students to live and work in the UK for up to two years after Masters and three years after PhD “The government has already gone on record to say that the 2 years PSW could be made 4 years. Combine that with the demand for young talent that Brexit has left — and you have in front of ourselves, one of the most tectonic shifts of this century about to happen, between the emerging world led by India, and the UK,” Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder, LeverageEdu told Business Insider. Under the new system, students will require a total of 70 points to be granted a visa. They will achieve the required points if they can demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, speak English and are able to support themselves during their studies in the UK. Gaurav Tyagi, Founder of Career Xpert believes, this is the best opportunity for the students to gain exposure, and it’s also one of the best countries for studies. This new route is feasible and easy immigration for the Indian students amid the Covid-19 situation. Here are the highlights of the ‘simplified’ visa rules: <ul><li>The Student Route and Child Student Route — for students aged 4-17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK — will open on 5 October for international students. </li><li>Students will require a total of 70 points to be successful. Points are non-tradeable and will be awarded for meeting the requirements set out here.</li><li>Students who were issued an offer for study under the Tier 4 system and make an application before 5 October will be considered against the current rules for that route. </li><li>Those applying from 5 October will be considered against the new, simplified rules.</li><li>Students will require an appropriate level of English to engage with their course, as they do under the current Tier 4 system. The level of English required will remain the same.</li><li>Students will also now be able to make a visa application up to 6 months before their course starts (up from 3 months under Tier 4), and they will not be required to resubmit proof of academic qualifications with their visa application.</li><li>There will continue to be no limit on the number of international students who can come to the UK.</li><li>The Graduate Route for international students will open in summer 2021. This will allow eligible international students – including those from India – who have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees to stay for two years and those who have completed a PhD to stay for three years to work or look for work.</li></ul>“India accounts for one of the UK’s largest groups of international students and our world-leading education system has always been a key part of our bilateral relationship. Last financial year, nearly 50,000 Indian nationals were granted a study visa – they are the ambassadors of the Living Bridge that connects our countries, ”Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said. “The new student route also simplifies the application process for international students who will be applying to study in the UK. It will be bonus points for them if they can show as a proof that they have an offer letter from an accepted educational institution, know how to speak English, and are going to be self-dependent during their UK studies and this may be the reason why more and more Indian students will choose the UK for postgraduate programs in the near future,” Geeta Jain, Founder of Mediconation told Business Insider. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/society/news/for-facebook-and-twitter-the-changes-to-indias-it-amendment-act-is-what-the-doctor-ordered-or-not/articleshow/78121530.cms">For Facebook and Twitter, the changes to India's IT (Amendment) Act is just what the doctor ordered — or not</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/india-the-us-and-brazil-recorded-more-than-half-of-the-worlds-coronavirus-cases-on-the-same-day-the-who-announced-a-record-number-of-cases/articleshow/78119477.cms">India, the US, and Brazil recorded more than half of the worlds coronavirus cases on the same day the WHO announced a record number of cases</a>

UK’s new visa rules make it easier for international students to study and work now

Official Hyderabad, Mar 12 () India is witnessing a 25 per centto 30 per cent drop in inbound international visitors to thecountry in recent months in the backdrop of novel coronavirusfears, Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Usha Padhee said onThursday. There has been a drastic reduction in numbers (visitorsto India) of international travellers, I was told that it hascome down by 25 to 30 per cent. Because of the quarantine byevery country, both (inbound and outbound) have got severeimpact, she told reporters here.She was speaking on the sidelines of civil aviation show'Wings India 2020' which began here on Thursday.The official said there has been a reduction in thenumber of domestic travellers also as people with businesspurpose or emergency requirements were only travelling.India has on Wednesday announced suspension of alltourist visas till April 15 in a bid to contain the spread ofthe virus.All incoming travellers, including Indians, arriving fromor having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea,France, Spain and Germany after February 15 will bequarantined for a minimum period of 14 days, the Centre hassaid. Replying to a query, Padhee said the situation was purelytemporary in nature and there had been a turn around in China,the genesis of the viral fever that killed over 3,000, "whichis a good sign".On the impact on the 'Wings India 2020', the officialsaid the event was expected to be attended by only one thirdof the anticipated 1,500 delegates.According to her, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep SinghPuriwill participate with the industry leaders in sessionwherein the current situation of the sector will be discussed.The flagship biennial event is being jointly organisedby the civil aviation ministry and industry and Federation ofIndian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at BegumpetAirport here from March 12 to 15. GDKVS VS

Coronavirus impact: Tourist inflow into India drop by 30%:

The UK's new post-Brexit points-based visa and immigration system, described by the government as "simple, effective and flexible", opened for applications from Tuesday. The UK Home Office said applicants for the new <keyword id="302785" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="skilled-worker">Skilled Worker</keyword> Visa can now apply to work and live in the UK from January 1, 2021, when the Brexit transition period ends to bring European Union (EU) migrants in line with non-EU countries, such as India. Under the new points-based immigration system unveiled earlier, points will be awarded for a job offer at the appropriate skill level, knowledge of English and being paid a minimum salary. "This government promised to end free movement, to take back control of our borders and to introduce a new points-based immigration system. Today, we have delivered on that promise," said Home Secretary Priti Patel. "This simple, effective and flexible system will ensure employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, whilst also encouraging employers to train and invest in the UK's workforce. We are also opening routes for those who have an exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in the fields of engineering, science, tech or culture," she said. People will normally need to be paid at least 25,600 pounds per year unless the "going rate" for that job in the wider economy is higher. Applications are made online, and as part of this, people will need to prove their identity and provide their documents. "Once someone outside the UK has gone through all these steps, they will usually get a decision within three weeks," <keyword id="4731590" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-home-office">the Home Office</keyword> said. Applicants will need to have enough money to cover the application fee will range between 610 pounds to 1,408 pounds, plus a healthcare surcharge (usually 624 pounds per year) and be able to support themselves (usually by having at least 1,270 pounds available). The Skilled Worker visa lasts for up to five years before it needs to be extended. Alongside the work visa, a number of other routes are also now open for applications, including Global Talent Visa, for people who can show they have exceptional talent or exceptional promise in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology or arts and culture. <keyword id="10362070" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="an-innovator-visa">An Innovator Visa</keyword> will be open to those seeking to establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea, a start-up visa for someone seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time, and an Intra-company <keyword id="10361837" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="transfer-visa">Transfer Visa</keyword> for established workers who are being transferred by the business they work for to do a "skilled role" in the UK. <keyword id="10362069" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-student-route-and-child-student-route">The Student Route and Child Student Route</keyword> under the new system opened earlier, in October, to eligible international students for the next academic year. The Home Office said its new system will encourage employers to focus on training and investing in the UK workforce, driving productivity and improving opportunities for individuals, especially those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Indian industry and students' groups had broadly welcomed the new post-Brexit points-based regime unveiled by Patel earlier this year as a means to attract the "brightest and the best" from around the world. Under the system, workers from the EU will be at par with those from outside the economic bloc once its free movement of people rules stop applying to the UK at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/kunal-shah-cred-raises-80-million-valuation-doubles-to-800-million-for-the-just-two-year-old-startup/articleshow/79502864.cms">Kunal Shah’s CRED raises $80 million – valuation doubles to $800 million for the just two-year old startup</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-dr-reddys-indiabulls-housing-mm-tata-motors-bajaj-auto-maruti-hero-moto-pnb-and-others/articleshow/79502563.cms">Top stocks to watch — Dr Reddy’s, Indiabulls Housing, M&amp;M, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Maruti, Hero Moto, PNB, and others</a>

New immigration rules: Visa applications open under UK's post-Brexit 'simple' points-based system

By Lalit K Jha Washington, May 7 () All visas for foreign nationals and the OCI card visa free travel for Indian-origin people, who are not in the country, remain suspended till the restrictions on international travel to and from India remain in place, the Indian embassy here said on Wednesday.However, for all foreign nationals inside the country whose visas have expired and cannot travel out of India due to the international travel restrictions, can apply for their visa extension without any additional fee, it said in a statement. Visa free travel facility granted to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders who are not in India presently, will continue to remain in abeyance till prohibition on international air travel of passengers from/to India is lifted. The OCI card of a traveller presently in India shall remain valid, the embassy said.The OCI is an immigration status permitting a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely. The OCI was introduced in response to demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora, particularly in developed countries.All existing visas issued to nationals of any country who have not yet entered India, will remain suspended till prohibition on international air travel of passengers from/to India is lifted. Exceptions include Visa issued to diplomats, official passport holders, those in UN/international organisations, and those on Employment and Project visas, it said. According to the Indian embassy, regular visa, e-visa or stay stipulation of all foreign nationals whose visas have expired or would be expiring during the period from 1 February, 2020 (midnight) till the date on which prohibition on international air travel of passengers from India is lifted, would be extended on GRATIS basis on submission of online application with the FRRO/FRO. Such extensions would be granted for a period up to 30 days from the date of lifting of prohibition on international air travel of passengers from India without levy of overstay penalty. Exit to such foreign nationals, if so, requested by them, will also be granted on the same lines, it said. India has suspended domestic and international passenger flights till May 17 as part of a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus. From March 24, India is under a nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus that has claimed 1,783 lives while the number of cases have gone up to 52,952 as of Thursday.The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 35,902 while 15,266 people have recovered. LKJ MRJ MRJ

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