Business visas are not work Permits

Right of admission reserved…only bona fide visitors please!

In the last few months, it was noticed by Indian authorities that the country’s liberal Visa regime was being misused by certain country/countries which is/are ‘not very friendly’ with India. Resultantly huge numbers of aliens were being brought in by foreign contractors for execution of projects within India. Not only did this adversely affect the local population’s employment opportunities; much more seriously it compromised the security of the country especially when the influx is from such ‘unfriendly’ geographies. The Indian Government had stepped in to put restrictions to address this potential hazard which unfortunately ended up causing hardship to genuine business travellers as well.

It may be recalled that a foreign national who is already in the country on Business Visa and engaged in executing project/contract had to leave the country by 31.10.2009 and re-enter only with an Employment Visa (“E” Visa). ''B'' Visa cannot be used for employment purposes.

To obviate difficulty to bona fide entrants, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has come out with clarifications in the form of replies to frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the information, guidance and compliance of all concerned. This is expected to put an end to confusion and ambiguity in the restrictions on the issue of Business Visa (“B” Visa). With the clarification issued by MHA in respect of eligibility criteria for “B” and “E” visas, it is believed that the “B” travellers would not get inconvenienced any more.

Further, misuse of Visas for terrorist activities has prompted the Government to tighten the Tourist Visa Rules as well.

Talk about separating grain from chaff…not an easy task!