Indian Embassy Issues Urgent Safety Advisory for Nationals in Saudi Arabia Amid Missile Strikes
Air India and Air India Express Halt Services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam Until 24 October
Torrential Rain Grounds Over 20 Flights at Chennai International Airport
Latest News
IndiGo Flight Diverted to Bhopal After Three Failed Landing Attempts in Indore
An IndiGo Mumbai–Indore flight diverted to Bhopal on 17 October after three failed landing attempts, causing a 70-minute delay and passenger mis-connections. The weather-related incident spotlights the operational fragility of tier-2 airports and the knock-on effects for time-sensitive domestic and onward international travel.
Canada drops LMIA requirement for job-offer points, boosting Indians in Express Entry
Canada has scrapped the Labour Market Impact Assessment requirement for most job offers that count toward Express Entry points, effective 3 November 2026. The move instantly raises the CRS scores of thousands of Indian workers already in Canada, making invitations for permanent residence more attainable and reducing employer paperwork. Companies and applicants should act quickly to capitalise on the transition window.
Bureau of Immigration reiterates limits of OCI status in new social-media advisory
India’s Bureau of Immigration published a social-media graphic on 16 October clarifying that OCI card-holders are not Indian citizens and cannot vote, hold public office or buy agricultural land, even though they enjoy life-long visa-free entry and other benefits. The reminder comes amid court challenges testing the scope of OCI rights and serves as a compliance checklist for employers using OCI status for long-term assignments.
US PERM freeze at eight firms leaves Indian H-1B holders in limbo
The US Department of Labor has halted PERM labour-certification processing for eight companies under investigation, jeopardising green-card timelines for about 12,000 Indian H-1B workers. Without PERM approvals, many could hit their six-year visa limit early next year, placing projects and client contracts at risk. Employers and employees should urgently consider transfers, alternative visas or offshore redeployment.
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.