France has now over-taken the UK as India's most visited European nation
India and the UK have respected each other's political sensitivities during the negotiations for free trade agreement, with New Delhi agreeing to drop its demand on post-study work visas for students in exchange for Britain withdrawing its request to open up legal services here, an official said on Wednesday.
Visa delays have perturbed Indian visitors this summer. But a solution could be in sight soon, as embassies gear up to address the challenges caused by a spike in applications and staff shortages. While the British High Commission has said it is working urgently to reduce the current visa processing time, the German Embassy has introduced extra shifts to process more visas. However, appointments with the latter are fully booked till August-end due to high volumes.
Starting Wednesday, October 1, foreigners in India have the option to submit a 'digital arrival card' online instead of the paper card.
The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's eligibility to enrol foreign students, raising concerns over the legal status of thousands of students, including nearly 800 from India, currently enrolled at the varsity.
Under a new British-Irish visa scheme announced by Ireland's minister for justice Frances Fitzgerald, tourists and business visitors from India and China will be allowed to travel freely in the 'common travel area' of Britain and Ireland with either an Irish or a British visa.
Amidst growing panic over Trump's ban on Harvard's international student enrolment, overseas education consultants have this advice for Indian students.
The UK has relaxed its immigration rules giving greater flexibility to students and businesses that employ and sponsor international migrants.
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg opposed the Conservative-led coalition government's controversial 3,000 pounds visa bond scheme, which would affect visitors from certain countries, including India.
The flip-flop by the government has led senior British Indian MP Keith Vaz to revive his demand that the government end all confusion over the issue.
Besides India, the other affected countries are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Ghana. The pilot scheme is expected to run for a year from this November before being extended to all visa types.
The US has already eased the procedure for issuing visa to attract a million Indian tourists by 2015
Travel restrictions are in place only for a limited number of countries but people are cancelling or postponing travel to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Today, the two countries, ruthlessly divided by the Radcliffe line that pierced their very heart, grapple with the political challenges of the present. Yet, when friendships develop there are no borders, observes Payal Singh Mohanka.
The time is nigh for India to ensure that investment by its former citizens is encouraged by protecting their rights, says C B Patel.
In 2014, foreign tourist arrivals grew by 10.2 per cent over 2013.
In an online chat with readers, Prof Ujjwal Chowdhary from Edutainment offered tips on pursuing a career in media, design and communication.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances