US extends controversial US$100 000 H-1B entry fee to 2027, keeping pressure on Indian talent pipelines
India to Pilot Digi Yatra for International Departures—Face-Based Boarding Could Eliminate Passport Checks
Delhi Airport Orders Extra Transfer Checks After Immigration Lapse Involving Italian Passengers
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Delhi airport tightens transfer checks after immigration lapse on Amritsar–Munich journey
After three passengers skirted departure immigration on a 4 Sept Amritsar–Delhi–Munich itinerary, Delhi airport has ordered manual boarding-pass checks at all domestic-to-international transfer points. The temporary measure aims to prevent repeat breaches while authorities develop barcode and data-sharing solutions.
Real-time data show US visa interview slots in India pushed into mid-2027 for many categories
Crowd-sourced data on 22 Sept show the first available US visa interviews in India stretching to mid-2027 for H-1B and other categories, underscoring persistent capacity constraints despite backlog-reduction drives. Companies should build the delays into project timelines and explore third-country options.
India to Pilot Digi Yatra Facial-Recognition Boarding for International Flights
India will test its Digi Yatra facial-recognition travel platform on international departures at five major airports from October to December 2026. The pilot will use e-passport data to let travellers clear terminal gates and security without showing physical IDs, while immigration remains manual for now. If successful, the scheme could pave the way for fully automated border control and faster business-travel processing.
India to Pilot Digi Yatra for International Departures at Five Major Airports
The government will test Digi Yatra’s biometric, app-based journey for international passengers at five airports this quarter. The trial links e-passports to facial recognition, complementing the Fast Track Immigration programme but initially leaving immigration checks unchanged. If successful, the move could deliver curb-to-gate digitisation, saving time for business travellers and paving the way for global interoperability.
Delhi Police Detain Nine Foreign Nationals in Fresh Crackdown on Visa Overstays
In an intensified drive against illegal immigration, Delhi Police detained nine foreigners with expired or missing visas, transferring six for deportation proceedings. The action underscores stricter document checks across the capital, signalling to companies that any lapse in visa compliance for expatriate staff could trigger penalties or detention.
Maharashtra Unveils Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026 to Export Skilled Talent
Maharashtra has adopted a comprehensive Global Workforce Mobility Policy aimed at training, certifying and safely deploying state residents to jobs overseas. The plan introduces ‘Skill Passports’, expanded language training and a secure digital recruitment channel, positioning the state as a major exporter of skilled labour while protecting workers from fraud.
UK Updates TB-Testing Clinic List for Indian Visa Applicants, Drops Lucknow Centre
UKVI has deleted one Lucknow TB-testing centre and changed operating hours at another, effective 21 September 2026. Indian applicants for UK long-term visas must use an approved clinic, so corporate mobility teams should reschedule affected medicals immediately to prevent visa refusals or assignment delays.
UK Travel Advice Adds e-OCI and Self-Declaration Form Requirements for Arrivals into India
The UK FCDO now warns travellers to India that they must carry a digital e-OCI card and complete an online Self-Declaration Form before departure. Airlines may refuse boarding without proof, so employers should amend travel checklists to avoid disruption to assignments and business trips.
Australia Re-Orders Skilled-Visa Queue; Healthcare & Construction Applications from India Move to Front
Australia’s new Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 reshuffle the processing order for skilled-visa applications, putting healthcare, construction, teaching and other priority-sector jobs first. The framework, in force since 19 September 2026, could accelerate decisions for many Indian professionals while slowing files in non-priority occupations.
IMD Issues Week-Long Heavy-Rain Alert; Mobility Disruptions Expected Across Eastern & Southern India
The IMD forecasts heavy to extremely heavy rain and strong winds across large swathes of India through 26 September, warning of flooding and transport disruptions. Companies should activate contingency plans for flight diversions, rail delays and supply-chain interruptions, particularly in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Italy’s Proposed School Rules—Burqa Ban and Foreign-Student Cap—Could Affect Indian Families
Italy has floated legislation to ban burqas and niqabs in schools, set a maximum ratio of foreign students per class and oblige certain migrant parents to learn Italian. If adopted, the rules could disrupt school placements and integration pathways for Indian expatriate families living in Italy.
Air India Express Cancels Patna–Delhi Flight IX1348 on 21–22 September, Disrupting Business Travel Links
Air India Express has cancelled its early-morning Patna–Delhi flights on 21 and 22 September, citing unspecified operational issues. The move forces travellers to rebook at higher fares and highlights reliability concerns on a key domestic leg that feeds onward international connections.