Jaishankar highlights 28 global mobility pacts, previews eMigrate 2 at Human Mobility Forum
Passport fees jump to ₹2,500 as MEA enacts first price rise since 2012
Government launches FCRA 2.0 portal and e-OCI booklet, ending mandatory re-issuance at age 20
Latest News
Indian Embassy Kuwait limits passport and visa work to emergency cases amid provider switchover
A stalled vendor transition has pushed the Indian Embassy in Kuwait into emergency-only mode for passports and visas from 1 July. Nearly a million Indian residents risk civil-ID or travel problems until new provider Du Digital goes live.
VFS Global Suspends All Indian Visa and Passport Services in Australia
All six Indian visa centres in Australia have shut indefinitely after VFS Global cited an unresolved contract dispute in India. The closure has stranded passports, delayed visas and forced companies to rethink travel plans during Australia’s holiday peak.
e-OCI Card goes live as India launches fully digital Overseas Citizen credential
India has replaced the paper OCI booklet with a fully digital e-OCI Card that can be downloaded to a smartphone. The upgrade slashes processing times, removes the need for re-issuance after passport renewals and integrates with airport eGates, delivering major convenience gains for more than five million overseas Indians and the companies that employ them.
India Raises Passport Fees for First Time in 14 Years, Effective Today
The MEA has increased Indian passport fees by 40-75 % from 1 July 2026, citing rising service and security costs. The hike affects both domestic and overseas applicants and will raise assignment budgets for employers who sponsor business travel and relocations.
UK Scraps Physical Visa Stickers—Indians Will Receive Digital eVisas Only
From 1 July 2026, the UK issues only electronic visas. Indian nationals will receive a digital record in a UKVI account rather than a sticker in their passport, requiring new pre-departure checks and policy updates for employers.
Four Countries Roll Out Rule Changes That Impact Indian Travellers From 1 July
Effective 1 July 2026, the US offers paid fast-track tourist-visa appointments, Australia raises salary thresholds for skilled visas, Japan hikes general visa fees (Indians remain exempt), and Vietnam mandates an online health declaration. Indian businesses and travellers should adjust budgets and compliance procedures accordingly.
Bureau of Immigration Reminds OCI Card-Holders: Six Activities Still Need Prior Permission
India’s BOI has reiterated that OCI card-holders still need prior approval for research, journalism, mountaineering, missionary work, internships or jobs in foreign missions, and travel to protected areas. Companies and individuals should budget eight weeks for online permits to avoid penalties.
UK Updates India Travel Advice; Adds Ebola-Screening Requirement for Transit Passengers
The FCDO has updated its 1 July 2026 travel advice for India, adding screening requirements for passengers who have recently visited Ebola-affected regions. The notice may trigger tighter airport checks and itinerary disruptions for inbound business travellers.