Frequently Asked Questions

Passport FAQs

1. Does the applicant require to come in person for renewal of passport?
Yes, for all passport related services applicant should come in person.

2. How many photographs are required while applying for Passport?
4 passport size (2"X2") recent colored photographs (with white or light colour background).

3. Fee for Passport related services?
Click here on passport related services

4. If pages in the passport are finished, what can be done?
Applicant needs to apply for a New Passport.
Note: Payments cannot be made online however you have the facility to make a payment at the Passport centre itself when you come to submit your documents. The fee can only be paid in cash.

5. What is the procedure for renewal of passport, if issued in India and how long will it take?
Click here for procedure & processing time

6. What is the procedure to renew the passport if the passport has been issued in Hong Kong?
Renewal/Reissue of Passport

7. What is the procedure to apply for passport of a newly born child in Hong Kong?
Passport for New Born Babies

8. What is the procedure to change the name in the passport?
Change of Name

9. What is the procedure to change photograph of child in passport?
The applicant has to apply for a new passport. The documentation is the same as a renewal/ reissue of passports of children Click here

10. What is the procedure to apply for duplicate passport in case of damaged passport?
If the passport is damaged the applicant has to submit damaged passport along with the following:-

1. Application form duly filled up.
2. 4 (2"X2") photos.
3. Statement on reasons for damage to the passport.
4. Original along with copy of HK/Macao identity card.
5. Original along with copy of current passport.
6. Requisite fees.

11. What is the procedure to apply for Emergency Certificate?
To be handled by the Consulate General of India, Hong Kong.

12. Can parents sign on behalf of a child? ?
No, the parents cannot sign on behalf of the child. If the child cannot sign, the thumb impression of the child is to be put at place of signature. If the child is a girl right hand thumb impression is to be put and if it is a boy then left hand thumb impression is to be put.

13. What is the procedure for renouncing the Indian citizenship?
When an applicant opts to take foreign citizenship he has to apply for cancellation of his Indian passport. Click here

14. I have shifted my residence. Should I change my address in the passport? If change is required, what are the documents required and how much time will it take?
It is up to you to change the address. It is always better if your passport indicates your current address. For this purpose, you need to fill up form-II and submit it along with valid proof of your residential address.

15. My Passport has been issued from outside Hong Kong. Can I apply for services in the Consulate General Of India, Hong Kong?
Yes. You can apply for all passport services at the Passport Office where you are presently residing.

16. I don't have ECNR stamp in my Passport. Can I get it on the basis of my provisional matriculation or above certificate issued by the University/Board concerned?
We are no longer affixing ECNR stamp in passports. Currently, ECR stamp is only being put in passports. However, you are entitled to ECNR status if you possess qualification of Matriculation or above.

17. I have downloaded the application form from your website. Can I fill it up & submit?
Yes.

18. I am married recently whereas my passport was issued a years ago, should I include my spouse's name in my passport? If yes, what is the procedure?
It is better to include your spouse's name in your passport. For this, please file up EAP-II form and submit it along with Marriage Certificate, photocopy of spouse's passport (if she has one) and proof of stay (if the present address is different from the one in the passport). Note: The procedure is the same if one wants to include her husband's name in the passport.

19. I have a one-month-old baby? Does the baby require a separate passport Or his/her name can be endorsed in one of the parents' passport?
Endorsement of child's name in parents' passports is not allowed anymore. Minors should have separate passports.

20. In case of a minor child passport, whose father/mother is not in Hong Kong , whether consent is to be obtained to apply for a passport? If so, what is the procedure?
Yes. Consent of the father/mother is required for submitting the application. It should be in the form of a Sworn Affidavit duly attested by the notary public in India or Indian Embassy/Consulate abroad.

21. What is the difference between Re-issue and Renewal of a passport??
Passports are Re-issued after the expiry of their 10-year validity period. If you had been issued a Short Validity Passport (i.e. a passport of validity less than 10 years) apply for renewal to extend the normal validity of the existing passport to 10 years.

22. My passport expired 5 years ago. Can I Reissue/ Renew it? What is the procedure for it?
In such a case, you have to fill up EAP-I form and submit it along with original/photocopy of your expired passport and proof of your residence/address. However, since the passport expired 5 years ago, fresh police verification will be required in your case. A confirmation would also be required from Hong Kong Immigration Authorities that you have not acquired/ applied for Hong Kong citizenship.

23. I am a student staying away from my parents. Where do I apply for passport and what proof of residence shall I have to furnish?
For instance, if you are a student staying in Hong Kong and your parents are staying in India, you can apply at the Consulate General Of India, Hong Kong. For this purpose, along with the application form you have to provide four Personal Particulars forms. Please also indicate your hostel address/the place where you are staying in Hong Kong as present address and your parent's address in India as Permanent address.

For proof of residence at your hostel/place of stay, either you should provide a letter from the Principal/Warden or proof of residence of the guardian with whom you are staying along with the guardianship affidavit.

24. I shifted to Hong Kong 7 months back from abroad. I have to apply for a passport. As per instructions, one should have stayed for at least one year at a given address. Can I apply for a passport at the Consulate General Of India, Hong Kong? If so, please let me know the procedure.
Yes. You can apply at the Consulate General Of India, Hong Kong. For this purpose, you have to submit proof of seven months' stay in Hong Kong and also mention the previous address in the application form.

25. Is it mandatory to submit Birth Certificate in cases of those who are born on or after 26.01.1989.
Yes, Birth Certificate issued by Municipal authorities/Indian Missions only is acceptable for those born on or after 26.01.1989.

Consular Services FAQs

1. Does the applicant require to come in person for attestation, Company Documents, Domestic Helper Contracts, etc?
Yes the applicant has to come in person to apply for all services at consular services counter.

2. What is the fee for Attestation/Other Consular services?
Click on Desired Consular Service

3. Can I get certificates relating to name, birth, parents, spouse details, NRI Status, etc from Indian Consulate General?
Click on Desired Consular Service

4. What is the procedure to apply for Police clearance certificate?
The documents required are:

(i) Form- Form for misc. Services on Indian passport.
(ii) Passport Copy.
(iii) HKID copy.
(iv) Letter to the CGI, Hong Kong stating the reason for asking for a police clearance.
(v) original passport for verification.
(vi) Personal Particulars Form.

Processing time – 3 working days in case of passports issued at Hong Kong and 4 weeks or more in case of passports issued at other places subject to clearance.

5. Can the documents be attested/notarized at IHC?
Yes, Attestation of all Indian documents can be done in case the original document is produced and approved by the consular officer. The applicant has to submit the original with copy of the document to be attested. If the document is issued in India it has to be authenticated by the Consular Wing of the CPV division of MEA. The applicant should also bring the original Passport for verification and submit copy of the Passport (1st, 2nd last page and the page on which valid permit is affixed),

6. Spouse is applying for Passport of the child in India, and RPO is asking for verification of Passport, how to go about it? i.e. affidavit.
The applicant has to go in person to the Consulate General of India, Hong Kong with original passport, copy of the passport, HKID card, copy of the HKID card, copy of Child's Birth Certificate, 2 copies of the sworn affidavit forms. The Affidavit of the spouse in Hong Kong duly attested by the Consulate General of India may then be sent to India for submission along with the application for the passport of the child in India. Processing time – 2 working days.

7. What are the requirements for giving Power of Attorney?
To be handled by the Consulate General of India, Hong Kong.

8. Can others apply for Certificates on the basis of Passport entries if the applicant is not in Hong Kong?
No, the applicant has to be in Hong Kong to apply for such certificates.

9. What are the documents required for authentication of EMI & Contract of employment for recruitment of Indian workers?

1. Company Profile
2. Memorandum & Article, Form 9, Form 24, Form 49 ( Certified true copy by the Company's Secretary)
3. Copy of Foreign and Local Workers Pay Slip (Sample)
4. Letter of Demand (to be certified by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
5. Power of Attorney (to be certified by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
6. Contract of Employment (Duly signed separately with each employee and by concerned office of the Protector of Emigrants - original and a copy)
7. Affidavit (to be certified by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
8. License of Manpower Agent Either in original or photocopy duly attested (ink signed) by competent officer Protector of Emigrants, Ministry of Labour, Shram Shakti Bhawan
9. Letter of Reference from concerned Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce (certifying that membership and assuring that company will comply with the terms of contract)

10. What are the documents required for getting NRI Certificate?
The documents required are:

(i) Letter to the CGI, Hong Kong stating the reason why the the certificate is required and also how long the applicant is been residing away from India.
(ii) Copy of the Visa.
(iii) Copy of the passport.
(iv) Copy of the HKID.
(v) original passport for verification.

Processing time - 3 working days.

Business Visa FAQs

In recent weeks, several queries have been raised about the type of Visas issued by India to foreigners for work related visits. It is clarified that basically there are two (2) types of work related Visas, namely:-

1. Business Visa designated as 'B' Visa
Q.1. What is a Business Visa?
Q.2. Who are eligible for a Business Visa?
Q.3. What is the duration of a Business Visa?
Q.4. What documents are required to be submitted alongwith application for a Business Visa?
Q.5. Can foreign nationals coming to execute projects in India be granted Business Visas?
Q.6. Can foreign nationals already in India for executing projects on Business Visas be allowed to convert their Business Visas to Employment Visas without leaving the country?
Q.7. Which category of Visa will be granted to family members of foreign nationals coming to India on Business Visas?

Ans.1 Business Visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture, or wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India. This Visa is granted subject to following conditions:-

(i) The applicant is a person of assured financial standing and expertise in the field of the intended business.
(ii) The applicant is not visiting India for the business of money lending or petty trading, or for a full time employment in India involving payment of salary in India etc.
(iii) The facility of Business Visa will also be extended to senior executives of firms, experts, tour conductors and travel agents, etc., visiting India in connection with work related to projects of national importance, including those undertaken by public sector undertakings, and conducting business tours of foreigners or business relating to it, etc.
(iv) A foreign national will have to comply with all other requirements like payment of tax liabilities etc.
(v) The grant of Business Visa is subject to any instructions issued by the Government of India on the basis of reciprocity with other foreign countries from time to time.
(vi) The Business Visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than 2 years.

Ans.2

(i) Foreign nationals who want to visit India to establish industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture in India.
(ii) Foreign nationals coming to India to purchase/sell industrial products or commercial products or consumer durables.
(iii) Foreign nationals coming to India for technical meetings/discussions, attending Board meetings, general meetings for providing business services support.
(iv) Foreign nationals coming to India for recruitment of manpower.
(v) Foreign nationals who are partners in the Business and/or functioning as Directors in the company.
(vi) Foreign nationals coming to India for consultations regarding exhibitions, for participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, business fairs, etc.
(vii) Foreign buyers who come to transact business with suppliers/ potential suppliers at locations in India, to evaluate or monitor quality, give specifications, place orders, negotiate further supplies etc., relating to goods or services procured from India.
(viii) Foreign experts/specialists on a visit of short duration in connection with an ongoing project with the objective of monitoring the progress of the work, conducting meetings with Indian customers and/or to provide some high level technical guidance.
(ix) Foreign nationals coming to India for pre-sales or post-sales activity not amounting to actual execution of any contract or project.
(x) Foreign Trainees of multinational companies/corporate houses coming for in-house training in the regional hubs of the concerned company located in India.
(xi) Foreign students sponsored by AIESEC for internship on project based work in companies/industries.

Ans.3 A Business Visa with multiple entry facilities is granted for a period upto 5 years or for a shorter duration as per the requirement. A stay stipulation may be prescribed for each visit by the concerned Indian Mission.

Ans.4

(i) The foreign national must have a valid travel document and a re-entry permit, if required under the law of the country concerned.
(ii) Proof of financial standing and expertise in the field of intended business.

Ans.5 No. A foreign national coming for executing projects/contracts will have to come only on an Employment Visa.

Ans.6 No

Ans.7 Indian Missions may grant an 'X' Visa [i.e. a Dependent Visa] to the family members of a foreign national granted a Business Visa at their discretion, subject to usual security checks provided the family members are otherwise eligible for grant of such a Visa.

Conference Visa FAQs

Several queries have been raised about the procedure to be followed for obtaining a Conference Visa for attending international conferences, seminars, workshops etc. in India.

Frequently asked questions with regard to the above issue and replies thereto are outlined below for information, guidance and compliance of all concerned:

Q.1 Who are eligible for a Conference visa?
Q.2 What is the procedure for grant of Conference Visa?
Q.3 What is the procedure for obtaining clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs for the conference/seminar/workshop?
Q.4 What is the duration of the Conference visa?

Ans 1. A Conference visa is granted to a foreigner:

(i) whose sole objective of visiting India is to attend a conference / seminar or workshop being held in India;
(ii) who holds a valid passport, and a re-entry permit if that is required under the law of the country of nationality of the applicant;
(iii) who is not a persona-non-grata to the Government of India;
(iv) who is not considered an undesirable person and is not the subject of a negative list or any warning circular or other restrictive list; and
(v) who is a person of assured financial standing (the production of a return ticket and availability of sufficient money to spend during his stay in India may be considered sufficient for this purpose).

Ans 2.

(i) Indian Missions are authorized to issue Conference visas to elegates on production of an invitation to a conference/seminar/workshop being organized in India by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations, Public Sector Undertakings, Central ducational Institutions, Public Funded Universities (list of such institutions are available on the website www.education.nic.in and the websites of the University Grants Commission and Association of Indian Universities), or an organization owned and controlled by the Government of India or any State Government / UT, United Nations or its specialized agencies. Missions will process the cases for grant of visas and after satisfying themselves, grant visas to the participants of such events except in cases indicated below under sub para (iii).
(ii) If the conference/ seminar/ workshop is sponsored by an NGO or a private institution, the Mission should scrutinize the background of the NGO/private institution and grant visa to the participants except in cases indicated in sub-para
(iii) below. If the Mission concerned has any doubt about the background of the sponsoring NGO/private institution, the matter may be referred to MEA and MHA for verification of the background of the NGO/private institution concerned. However, in respect of all international sports events, the organizer shall submit the proposal for holding the international sports event to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for prior clearance and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports shall refer the proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs with their recommendations.Visa for the participants of international sports event shall be issued by the Indian Missions/Posts subject to production of clearance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs and security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
(iii) Missions will be required to make a prior reference to the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs before granting conference visas to foreigners participating in conferences/ seminars/ workshops etc. in India only in the following cases:-
(a) Participants from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistani origin and Stateless persons; and
(b) Participants of conferences/seminars/workshops who are required to visit 'Restricted' or 'Protected' areas in India, or areas affected by terrorism, militancy and extremism etc. viz. Jammu & Kashmir and the North Eastern States(other than the States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland).
In the above cases, Ministry of External Affairs will examine the proposal along with the Ministry of Home Affairs and grant clearance within four weeks. Clearance will be conveyed to the Missions and organizers of the conference.

Ans 3. Following procedure will be observed for seeking prior security clearance for the International conference/seminar/workshop (event) from the Ministry of Home Affairs:

(i) Only such events, which from the stand point of parameters as mentioned in sub-para (iii) in reply to
Qn.2 above require MHA's security clearance, should be forwarded by the Ministries/Departments of the Central Government, State Government, PSUs etc. to the Ministry of Home Affairs at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the event. However, in respect of all international sports events, the organizer shall submit the proposal for holding the international sports event to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for prior clearance and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports shall refer the proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, with their recommendations, for security clearance at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the event.

(ii)If the event includes participants from the countries for which prior 'security clearance' is required, as mentioned in answer to Q.2 above, details in the following format should be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the event so as to enable adequate time to process the requisite security clearance.

Sl.No.	Name of applicant	Father's /Husband's Name	Nationality	Date of Birth	Place of Birth	Passport Number	Date & Place of Issue	Date of Expiry	Add-ress
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

(iii) The request for holding international conferences requiring security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) in terms of the parameters as mentioned in answer to Question no.2 will be submitted by private organizers – be it an NGO or a private institution to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) for requisite clearance within the prescribed time frame i.e. at least 60 days prior to the commencement of the event along with the complete details of the participants from the Prior Reference Category countries i.e. Afghanistan, China, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Foreigners of Pakistani origin and Stateless persons in the format given in sub-para (ii) above.
(iv) Participants from Pakistan are required to apply for visa at High Commission of India in Islamabad 'on line'. While submitting the proposals for security clearance to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division), the Unique ID (File no.) of the visa application in respect of participants from Pakistan who have applied for visa at HCI Islamabad may invariably be furnished along with the application. Clearance in respect of participants from Pakistan will be given by the Ministry of Home Affairs only 'on line'.
(v) All such proposals requiring clearance as mentioned above should be addressed to the Section Officer (CC), Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, NDCC-II Building, Jai Singh Road, OFF Parliament Street, New Delhi –110001.

In view of the revised procedure for grant of conference visa as explained above, clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs for holding an event from security angle would be required only in respect of cases covered above. No security clearance would be granted by MHA for any event which is not covered above.

Ans 4. Conference visa will be issued for the duration of the conference and the travelling time. However, the delegates coming to attend conference etc. in India can combine tourism with attending the conference. Missions can, at their discretion, grant visas for the required period. Such visa shall not exceed maximum validity of Tourist Visa, i.e. 6 months subject to usual conditions applicable for grant of the Tourist visa.

Visas to participants covered in the categories mentioned in sub-para (iii) of answer to Q.2 will not be granted for a duration longer than that may be specified by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs or the minimum period required.

Tourist Visa FAQs

Q 1. Whether the gap of two months between two visits would apply to all Tourist visa holders?
Government of India reviewed 2 months gap between two visits of a foreign national on a Tourist Visa. It is now determined and needs approval by the Relevant authority. Government of India is making efforts to remove the two months gap between two visits except Nationals of Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, foreigners of Pakistan and Bangladesh origins and stateless persons.

Q 2. Whether the restriction of two months gap for re-entering India is applicable to PIO/OCI card holders and foreigners holding business employment, student and other categories of Visa?
Government of India reviewed 2 months gap between two visits of a foreign national on a Tourist Visa. It is now determined and needs approval by the Relevant authority. Government of India is continuously making effects to remove the two months gap between two visits except Nationals of Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, foreigners of Pakistan and Bangladesh origins and stateless persons.

Q 3. How will medical tourists who return regularly to India for onward treatment be handled?
Applicant having Tourist Visa can not visit highly protected, prohibited, cantonment, restricted areas.
Medical Visa: Applicant is requested to apply for Medical Visa for medical treatment. Applicant don't have to apply for Tourist Visa as they comes under the category of Medical Visa.

Q 4. How will the family member of diplomatic households who do not qualify for diplomatic Visas (e.g. older children or domestic partners) be handled?
Family members of diplomatic households can have 'Entry (X)' Visa, if they are eligible in this category. The restrictions will be laid down if they come on Tourist Visa.

Q 5. What activities are permissible on 'Tourist visa'?
Tourist Visa is issued to the foreigners who do not have occupation in India and whose only aim to visit India is casual business, casual visit, sight-seeing, recreation, attending sports events, visit to meet friends and relatives. Other reasons will destroy its validity and utility.

Q 6. Can a person holding 'Tourist' Visa indulge in Business Activation?
Visa violation process will be done if Applicant found in any Business activity.

Q 7. Can a person holding 'Tourist' Visa accept employment?
Tourist Visa is issued to the foreigners who do not have occupation in India, if Applicant found in any kind of employment, he/she will have to face Visa violation process.

Q 8. If a tourist's Passport is not stamped to indicate no re-entry within two months, can the tourist assume that he will be allowed to re-enter India within two months?
The restrictions will be laid down even if tourist's Passport is not stamped.

Q 9. Whether any fee is required to be charged for making the requisite endorsement on the Passport?
Applicant have to give Miscellaneous Consular Service fee if he/she is making an Endorsement.

Q 10. Can my 'Tourist Visa' be extended while in India?
Once Tourist Visa is received by the applicant on arrival, it becomes non-extendable, non-convertible.

Q 11. I have been issued a six month Visa, can I stay in India after 6 months of my arrival?
Validity of Visa starts at time of issuance not at time of arrival in a foreign country. Government of India reviewed 2 months gap between two visits of a foreign national on a Tourist Visa.

Q 12. I wish to visit certain area in India like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Nagaland etc. Can I obtain a Visa to visit these areas?
Tourist Visa is strictly prohibited in Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. After entering in India, Applicant can visit these areas only after getting the Restricted/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP) either by the Ministry of Home Affairs or concerned by Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO). It is advised to make a 'special endorsement for Sikkim' request, if applicant wants to visit some areas of Sikkim for maximum 15 days, but request must be made at the time of applying for Tourist Visa.

Q 13. I will travel at a much later date could my Visa be issued to with the post date of travel?
Applicant should apply 4 days in advance from the date of arrival, like if applicant is applying on 1st June, then the arrival date would be 5th June to 4th October. Validity of Visa starts at time of issuance not at time of arrival in a foreign country. Validity to stay in India is for 30 days.

Q 14. Can I get a Visa on arrival to enter India?
Applicants from 73 countries like Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Oman, etc. just need to apply Tourist Visa online and get the legal right to enter in India anytime within 30 days of acceptance.

Q 15. I have to travel to India on an emergency. Is there any extra charge for the same?
Yes, Applicant have to pay extra charges if he/she is applying for Emergency Visa. Generally Visas are issued on holidays or after service hours. Death or medical emergency proof is necessary while applying for Emergency Visa. Consular Officer has the final authority in case of emergency. Tourist Visa is totally different from emergency procedure.

Q 16. Can I still travel on my Indian Passport on acquiring Hong Kong Citizenship?
In Indian, dual citizenship is not allowed, it comes under 'The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955'. Under the Indian Passport Act, 1967, holding dual citizenship by the applicant is an offence and attracts penalties.
If Indian Passport holder acquire any foreign nationality, it is necessary to surrender his/her Passport to the nearest Indian Mission/Post immediately after acquiring of foreign citizenship. Applicant will receive a surrender certificate. Renunciation/surrender of Indian Passport can be done at any Indian Visa Application Centres in Hong Kong.

Employment Visa FAQs

1. Employment Visa designated as 'E' Visa

Q1. What is an Employment Visa?
Q.2. Who are eligible for Employment Visa?
Q.3. What is the duration of an Employment Visa?
Q.4. What documents are required to be submitted alongwith application for Employment Visa?
Q.5. Which category of Visa will be granted to family members of foreign nationals coming to India on Employment?
Q.6. Whether a foreign company/organization that does not have any Office/subsidiary/joint venture/branch office in India can sponsor a national/employee of a foreign company for Employment Visa?
Q.7. Whether an Indian company/organization which has awarded a contract for execution of a project to a foreign company that does not have any base in India, can sponsor employee of foreign company for Employment Visa?
Q.8. If the Indian organization/entity sponsors an Employment Visa, does this mean that the Indian organization/entity has to necessarily be the legal employer of the person?
Q.9. Which category of Visa will be granted to the foreign language teachers/interpreters?
Q.10. Which category of Visa will be granted to the foreign specialist Chefs?
Q.11 Which type of Visa would be granted to senior management personnel and/or specialists employed by foreign firms who are relocated to India to work on specific project/management assignment?
Q.12 What is the format for applying for Business Visa or Employment Visa?

Ans. 1. Employment Visa is granted to foreigners desiring to come to India for purpose of employment, subject to following conditions:-

(i) The applicant is a skilled and qualified professional or person who is being engaged or appointed by a company, organization, industry, or undertaking, etc. in India on contract or employment basis at a senior level, skilled position such as technical expert, senior executive, or in a managerial position, etc.
(ii) Employment Visa is not granted for jobs for which large numbers of qualified Indians are available.
(iii) Employment Visa is not granted for routine, ordinary or secretarial/clerical jobs.
(iv) The Employment Visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than 2 years.
(v) The Indian company/organization engaging foreign nationals for executing projects/contracts would be responsible for the conduct of the foreign national during their stay in India and also for the departure of such foreign national upon expiry of Visa.
(vi) A foreign national will have to comply with all other requirements like payment of tax liabilities, etc.

Ans. 2. Subject to the conditions enumerated in Question B5 above, the following will be eligible for Employment Visa:-

(i) Foreign nationals coming to India for execution of a project/contract [irrespective of the duration of the visit].
(ii) Foreign nationals who are coming to India on short visits to customer location to repair any plant or machinery as part of warranty or annual maintenance contracts.
(iii) Foreign engineers/technicians coming to India for installation and commissioning of equipments/machines/toolsin terms of the contract for supply of suchequipment/machine/tools.
(iv) Foreign experts coming to India for imparting training for the personnel of the Indian company.
(v) Foreign personnel deputed for providing technical support/services, transfer of know-how, services supplies for which the Indian company pays fees/royalty to the foreign company.
(vi) Foreign nationals coming to India as consultant on contract for whom the Indian company pays a fixed remuneration, (may not be in the form of monthly salary).
(vii) Foreign artists engaged to conduct regular performances for the duration of the employment contract given by Hotels, Clubs, other organizations.
(viii) Foreign nationals who are coming to India to take up employment as coaches.
(ix) Foreign sportsmen who are given contract for a specified period by the Indian Clubs/organizations.
(x) Self-employed foreign nationals coming to India for providing engineering, medical, accounting, legal or such other highly skilled services in their capacity as independent consultants.

Ans. 3. A foreign national coming to India for employment may initially be granted an Employment Visa by the Indian Missions abroad upto one year. The first extension, if necessary, would be granted by MHA. Further extensions, if required, can be granted by concerned State Government/FRO upto maximum period of five years from the date of issue of the Visa. Foreigners coming on Employment Visa are required to register with concerned FRRO/FRO within two weeks from the date of arrival.

Ans. 4.

(i) The foreign national must have a valid travel document and a re-entry permit, if required under the law of the country concerned.
(ii) The foreign national must submit proof of his/her employment or contract or engagement by the company/organization, etc. in India.
(iii) The foreign national must submit documentary proof of his educational qualifications and professional expertise.

Ans. 5. In respect of family members of a foreign national who is granted 'E' Visa, Indian Missions may grant an 'X' Visa [i.e. Dependent Visa]. The validity of the 'X' Visa could be co-terminus with the validity of the Visa of the principal Visa holder or for such shorter duration as may be considered necessary by the Indian Mission, subject to usual security checks provided the family members are otherwise eligible for grant of such a Visa.

Ans. 6. No

Ans. 7. Yes

Ans. 8. No

Ans. 9. Employment Visa.

Ans. 10. Employment Visa.

Ans. 11. Employment Visa.

Ans. 12. The application forms for Business Visa and Employment Visa are available on the website and/or offices of the Indian Missions in respective countries.

FAQs clarifying details in respect of these types of visas can also be viewed either on the Indian Mission's website or on Ministry of Home Affairs website: www.mha.nic.in.

In case of any difficulty relating to obtaining a visa, the applicant may contact the Indian Mission concerned or Joint Secretary(CPV), Ministry of External Affairs on the e-mail address: jscpv@mea.gov.in.

For general queries or clarifications regarding visa issues, the applicant may (where necessary information is not available with the Mission) also contact Deputy Secretary (Foreigners), Ministry of Home Affairs on the e-mail address: pvsivaraman@nic.in.

+852-58195329

Frequently Asked Questions