Canada drops LMIA requirement for job-offer points, boosting Indians in Express Entry
Bureau of Immigration reiterates limits of OCI status in new social-media advisory
US PERM freeze at eight firms leaves Indian H-1B holders in limbo
Latest News
FRRO orders actor-activist Imran Khan to leave India, sparking debate over political activity by OCI holders
Bollywood actor and US citizen Imran Khan has been told by Mumbai’s FRRO to leave India by 28 October because he joined an anti-government protest, raising legal questions about how far OCI card-holders can engage in political activity. The challenge, likely headed to the Bombay High Court, will clarify the government’s discretionary power to expel foreigners and could impact compliance policies for companies with expatriate staff.
Government amends Immigration & Foreigners Rules to allow online appeals and flexible registration
A Gazette notification updated on 16 October revises India’s Immigration and Foreigners Rules: foreigners on short-term visas can now register any time before the 180-day limit, and all adverse immigration orders can be appealed online within 30 days, with decisions due in 60 days. The changes simplify compliance for business travellers and introduce India’s first statutory e-appeal process.
Indian Embassy in Riyadh issues safety and travel advisory as missile attacks disrupt flights
India’s mission in Riyadh has asked citizens to stay alert, avoid filming missile interceptions and prepare for last-minute flight changes after ongoing strikes forced the closure of Riyadh airport and injured six Indians. The advisory urges consideration of alternate hubs such as Bahrain or Qatar and will affect corporate travel to the Gulf region.
Air India extends suspension of Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah flights until 20 October
Air India has pushed its suspension of services to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah out to 20 October, with other Indian carriers following suit, after missile strikes in Saudi Arabia. The move affects thousands of migrant workers and business travellers; refunds are available but capacity via alternative Gulf hubs is tight.
India opens temporary Immigration Check Post in Assam for Bhutan mega-event
India has authorised a temporary immigration post at Hatisar, Assam, to manage traffic to Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City festival (24 Oct–6 Nov 2026). The checkpoint will streamline cross-border movement and is part of India’s strategy to position the North-East as a tourism and investment gateway to the Himalayas. Business visitors must hold electronic visas and be prepared for limited on-site facilities.
UK updates list of TB test clinics in India for long-term visa applicants
The UK Home Office has added three authorised tuberculosis screening centres in Coimbatore, New Delhi and Noida and modified several addresses in its 16 October update to the approved-clinic list. Indian nationals applying for UK work, study or family visas must ensure they book at one of the newly listed centres to avoid processing delays.
UK updates India travel advice: new permit rules and health guidance
The UK FCDO’s 16 October update on India adds details on the compulsory e-Arrival Card, Inner Line Permit procedures and expanded health screening, aiming to reduce last-minute boarding denials and medical risks for UK nationals. Corporates should adjust pre-departure protocols for staff travelling to India’s restricted border states or areas with dengue outbreaks.
India approves ₹1,800-crore upgrade of Immigration, Visa & Foreigners Registration & Tracking scheme
New Delhi has green-lit a ₹1,800-crore modernisation of the IVFRT platform through 2031, promising faster e-visas, biometric e-gates and nationwide roll-out of the Trusted Traveller Programme. The upgrade is expected to slash immigration queues, support new airports and simplify compliance for airlines and multinationals operating in India.
India sets up temporary e-Visa immigration post at Hatisar, Assam for Bhutan-linked mega event
New Delhi has formally opened a time-bound, e-Visa enabled immigration post at Hatisar, Assam, to serve visitors to Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City event (24 Oct – 6 Nov 2026). The move cuts travel time for business delegates and freight, and pilots a mobile border-control model India may replicate for future mega events.
Home Ministry panel launches public portal to map demographic change and illegal immigration
India’s High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes has opened an online portal to crowdsource evidence on illegal immigration and population shifts. The move foreshadows stricter documentation checks and possible legal changes affecting how companies host foreign talent in India.
Punjab moves High Court after Centre blocks Chief Minister’s France trade visit
Punjab has taken the Centre to court after its chief minister was denied political clearance to attend SIAL Paris 2026, highlighting how opaque approvals can disrupt state-level trade mobility and exporters’ market-development plans.
Government steps up user outreach as Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller enrolments surge
A new media campaign and airline tie-ups have boosted enrolment in India’s FTI-TTP, which lets pre-cleared travellers use automated e-gates at 13 airports. Faster clearance times offer significant efficiency gains for business travellers and their employers.
Passport Open-House in Pune clears backlog, offers template for faster consular services
Pune’s passport office has resolved a backlog of long-pending applications through an ‘Open House’ initiative, signalling quicker turnaround times ahead of the festive travel rush and offering a replicable model for other high-volume cities.
Mumbai Police issues ‘Leave India’ notice to OCI actor Imran Khan after protest, sparking visa-rights debate
Mumbai Police have ordered actor and OCI card-holder Imran Khan to leave India within two weeks, citing visa violations linked to his participation in a political protest. The high-profile case raises fresh questions about the extent of civil-liberty protections for India’s 6 million overseas citizens.