No Regular H-1B Interview Slots for Indians in 2026—Appointments Pushed to 2027
MEA clarifies passports are travel documents, unveils Human Resource Mobility Forum
Piyush Goyal heads to London to finalise India–UK mobility chapter before trade pact launch
Latest News
Haldia Port Notified as India’s 41st Seaport Immigration Check-Point
A 22 June MHA notification—published 24 June—elevates Haldia Dock Complex (West Bengal) to a full-fledged seaport immigration check-point. The change lets foreign ships, crew and passengers clear immigration locally instead of detouring to Kolkata, boosting eastern India’s trade and cruise potential while supporting Sagarmala modernisation goals.
Passport Seva Programme 2.0 and e-Passports put digital muscle behind India’s mobility push
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar confirmed the full roll-out of Passport Seva Programme 2.0 and chip-based e-passports, supported by a nationwide network of 544 service centres and India Post outlets. Faster processing, stronger security and global e-gate compatibility will make international travel easier for Indian business travellers and expatriates.
US consulates run out of H-1B visa stamping slots for 2026, pushing Indian professionals into 2027 queue
Data compiled on 24 June show no regular H-1B visa interview slots available at US consulates in India for the whole of 2026, with appointments slipping into 2027. The backlog could disrupt staffing for US projects and forces companies to explore stop-gap immigration or near-shoring solutions.
Indian Embassy Re-Issues ‘Avoid Non-Essential Travel’ Advisory for Iran
On 24 June the Indian Embassy in Tehran renewed its call for citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran despite “improving conditions”. Mandatory registration, heightened vigilance and dedicated emergency hotlines are emphasised. The notice lets business-critical trips proceed but signals that security and insurance risks remain elevated.
Air India to connect Guwahati directly with Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 4 August
Air India will begin Guwahati–Dubai and Guwahati–Abu Dhabi flights on 4 August, giving Northeast India its first direct air link to the Gulf. The routes cut travel times for expatriate workers and create new options for companies shuttling staff between Assam and UAE project sites.
Piyush Goyal Heads to London to Finalise India-UK CETA Mobility Chapters
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will be in London 25–27 June to hammer out last-mile procedures for the India-UK CETA, notably business-mobility provisions on visas, professional qualifications and a trusted-employer fast track. Firms should expect practical guidance before the agreement’s 15 July start date.
Adani Mundra Airport’s first scheduled flights boost Kutch’s business travel options
Adani Mundra Airport began scheduled flights to Mumbai and Goa on 24 June, with more domestic routes to follow. The air-sea-land hub will speed access to the vast Mundra port and SEZ complex, reducing travel time for business travellers and boosting Kutch’s attractiveness for foreign-invested projects.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Reply on Limiting Aadhaar Use to Identity—Not Citizenship
Updated on 24 June, a PIL before India’s Supreme Court seeks to restrict Aadhaar’s evidentiary value to basic identity, saying officials misuse it to prove citizenship and residence. The court has issued notices to the Centre and states, a move that could reshape the document set foreign nationals must present for long-term visa and FRRO registrations.
Japan Hikes Visa Fees Fivefold for Indian Travellers From July 1
Japan will raise visa fees for Indian nationals on 1 July 2026, multiplying costs up to five times. Tokyo says the revenue will fund digital border systems, but Indian tourists and SMEs face higher up-front travel expenses. Corporates are accelerating multiple-entry filings before the deadline.
Schengen Biometric Entry-Exit System Triggers Long Queues for Indian Flyers as Rome Joins Roll-out
The EU’s new biometric Entry/Exit System became operational at Rome-Fiumicino on 23 June, completing coverage of Europe’s biggest hubs. First-time Indian visitors must now give fingerprints and a facial scan, causing hour-long queues and missed connections. Companies are revising travel policies to build in extra transfer time.
India Fully Restores Long-Duration Tourist Visas and e-Tourist Visas for All Nationalities
Indian embassies updated their sites on 23 June to confirm that pre-pandemic long-duration tourist visas and multi-year e-Tourist visas are once again valid and being issued. The change removes the last Covid-era restriction on leisure travel and is expected to boost winter 2026-27 bookings.
UAE Green Visa: Updated Guide Gives Indian Professionals a Five-Year Residency Pathway
An updated Gulf News guide dated 23 June explains the UAE’s Green Visa requirements for skilled workers, clarifying salary, document and application steps. The five-year, self-sponsored permit is gaining traction among Indian professionals seeking mobility and family sponsorship options in the Gulf.
India Tightens Foreign Contribution Rules, Adding Compliance Burden for International NGOs and Branch Offices
India’s amended FCRA rules, notified on 23 June, expand director liability, link fund disbursal to utilisation and impose per-state fees. International NGOs and firms with branch offices must overhaul compliance processes or risk licence suspension—issues that can directly affect expatriate staff visas.