After simplifying and digitizing the OCI application process, the Government of India is eyeing a major overhaul of the visa system for foreign nationals and citizens (of Indian origin). In the coming days, India’s visa system will be simplified and shortened following an in-depth review of the existing categories and sub-categories. Also, Indian visa application forms will have fewer fields making it easier and faster for applicants.
Proposed Key Changes to India’s Visa System
Fewer visa categories: Since overlapping visa categories create confusion, the government proposed to reduce the number of main visa categories to 9 from 13.
Fewer sub-categories: The existing 49 sub-categories are too many. This number is expected to drop from 49 to 23 through proposed elimination of similar sub-categories.
Shorter application forms: Currently, visa application forms have too many fields to fill out patiently. The fields are likely to be eliminated by around 70%, which will save applicants on both information and time.
Why India needs to change its visa system
Currently, the Indian visa regime is complicated and overwhelming to new applicants. For instance, India grants an Entry X Visa to foreign nationals of Indian origin, who don’t have an OCI Card yet or who are not eligible for OCI. India’s Entry X Visa has several sub-categories, including X-1, X-2, X-3, E-1X, and S-1X. Evidently, it calls for an overhaul to rationalize and simplify the visa system.
Some visa types and sub-categories are overlapping, which make the application process confusing and cumbersome for foreign nationals. Especially those who need to travel to India on a short notice find the visa system too difficult to navigate. The planned overhaul of the system aims to make the process easier, simpler, and faster. There is also a need to align the visa structure with international application standards.
