Centre introduces streamlined visa process for Chinese technicians

Shivani Bhakoo

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 9

The Centre has announced a new streamlined and time-bound process for granting business visas to Chinese technicians involved in manufacturing projects, addressing longstanding complaints from Indian industry. The new guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aim to expedite visa approvals for nationals of China and other countries sharing land borders with India. Effective from August 1, the revised regulations stipulate that once a company applies for an e-visa, the application will be forwarded to relevant government departments, including the Ministry of External Affairs and security agencies, for approval.

Former president of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), SC Ralhan, said that it was a much needed step and industry here welcomed the initiative by the Centre.

“Our machines were manufactured in China, Vietnam and Taiwan, among other countries and the Chinese technicians are well qualified to repair them. We used to hire services of technicians from all over — Ludhiana, Delhi, etc, but at times, the machines needed attention from a thorough technician, which are available in China. Now these technicians can visit and repair the machinery”, said Ralhan.

A senior government official said that the issued visa would have a validity of six months. The initiative is expected to alleviate challenges faced by firms investing in 14 strategic sectors under the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, the government’s flagship programme designed to bolster manufacturing. The PLI scheme covers a wide range of sectors, including mobile phones, drones, white goods, telecommunications, textiles, automobiles and pharmaceutical drugs.