India has introduced stricter visa norms for Chinese nationals, bringing them on a par with Prior Referral Category countries such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, reports The Economic Times.
In its latest guidelines for grant of business visas, the home ministry introduced “specific provisions for Chinese nationals”, including reporting to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in some cases, officials said.
The directions are part of India’s overhaul of visa regulations in the wake of travel restrictions due to Covid-19. China is among 33 countries named by India with Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Afghanistan, among others, whose nationals cannot be granted multiple-entry tourist visas for a five-year period as a default option.
“For Bangladesh and China, provisions as available in the bilateral agreements, policy guidelines, as issued from time to time, will be applicable... There shall be a gap of at least two months between two visits to India on a tourist visa in respect of nationals of Afghanistan, China, Iraq, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistan origin and stateless persons,” according to the directions on multiple tourist visas.
The home ministry, in its 72-page guidelines, laid down conditions for the grant of employment, medical, research and student visas and stated that all Chinese business visa holders are required to register themselves with the FRRO if their stay exceeds 180 days in a calendar year.
“FRRO has been authorised to extend the business visas for Chinese nationals, depending on a case-to-case basis and on merit,” the home ministry stated. According to the ministry, business visas to Chinese nationals can be granted under three categories.
Indian missions abroad can recommend a six-month, multiple-entry B-visa to Chinese nationals producing letters of invitation from a ‘recognised Indian organisation’ provided the duration of stay is less than 90 days on each visit.
The second category is a 60-day, single-entry visa for Chinese nationals who cannot produce any invitation letter from a recognised Indian organisation but has a letter of request from a duly authorised Chinese organisation. The third category is a short-term, single-entry, B-visa not exceeding 60 days for Chinese nationals who cannot produce any documentary proof and cleared by Indian missions abroad. The guidelines were issued last month.