Indian Embassy Confirms UAE Roll-out of Chip-Enabled E-Passports Will Not Require Extra Biometrics or Fees
US Ends Automatic Extension of Work Permits, Creating Compliance Risk for Thousands of Indian Employees
Bulgaria Opens Six VFS Centres Across India for Long-Term ‘D-Visa’ Applications
Latest News
Schengen Visa Rejections Cost Indian Travellers ₹136 Crore in 2024; Delays Worsen in 2025
A VisaVerge report released 30 October reveals that Schengen consulates denied 15 % of Indian applications in 2024, burning an estimated ₹136 crore in fees. With appointment queues now stretching to two months at some missions and fees up to €90, Indian firms planning European travel need earlier, more robust visa-planning strategies.
Air India Express Targets 200-Jet Fleet, Shifts Focus to Domestic-plus-Regional Network
Air India Express will double its fleet to more than 200 jets within five years and tilt its network to 60 % domestic flying, promising denser point-to-point schedules for India-centric corporate travellers. The plan, announced 30 October, requires mobility teams to track changing Delhi-terminal assignments and anticipate expanded regional connectivity.
ICE Opposes Appeal in 37-Year-Old Deportation Case of Indian-Origin Engineer Subu Vedam
US immigration authorities have asked the Board of Immigration Appeals to deny Indian-origin engineer Subu Vedam’s bid to overturn a 1988 deportation order. The high-profile case highlights the risk that legacy immigration violations can return to haunt Indian expatriates and their employers many years later.
Indian Embassy in UAE Rolls Out Chip-Enabled E-Passports Under Passport Seva 2.0
From 28 October 2025, all Indian passport applicants in the UAE will receive chip-enabled e-passports under India’s Passport Seva 2.0 programme. The RFID-equipped booklets dramatically improve security and cut wait-times at immigration, while a new portal allows 100 % online submission. The change benefits 3.5 million Indian expatriates and signals India’s push toward fully digital travel documents, with positive implications for corporate mobility and potential future visa-waiver talks.
Bulgaria Expands Long-Term ‘D’ Visa Processing to Six Indian Cities From 1 November
From 1 November 2025, Indian nationals can lodge Bulgaria ‘D’ visa applications at VFS Global centres in six major cities instead of only New Delhi. The decentralisation cuts travel costs, is expected to shorten processing times and could boost student and work-related mobility to the EU member state.
UAE Clarifies 14-Day Visa-on-Arrival Rules for Eligible Indian Passport Holders
The UAE has reaffirmed that Indian travellers with a valid US visa, Green Card or UK/EU residency continue to receive a 14-day visa on arrival, extendable once. The update eliminates recent confusion and maintains a key convenience for business and leisure trips.
Mumbai Airport Issues Passenger Advisory for VVIP Movement on 29 October
Due to Prime Minister Modi’s visit, Mumbai Airport has warned passengers of potential road delays on 29 October from 13:00–18:00 IST. Travellers should leave for the airport at least an hour earlier; flights remain on schedule but landside congestion is likely.
Pune Airport Adds Direct Flights to Dubai and Bangkok in Winter Schedule
Pune Airport’s winter timetable adds daily Dubai and Bangkok services, boosting international connectivity for western India’s business hub. The new routes cut reliance on Mumbai and open faster links to Middle-East and Southeast-Asian markets.
IndiGo Launches Direct Durgapur–Varanasi Flight, Easing East-North Religious and Business Travel
IndiGo’s new thrice-weekly Durgapur–Varanasi route, launched 29 October, cuts travel time between the industrial and pilgrimage centres by six hours, supporting SME trade and religious tourism while illustrating the carrier’s push into untapped Tier-2 city pairs.