News for 'VISA'

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.

Himachal Pradesh: Duo Booked For Visa Fraud

Himachal Pradesh: Duo Booked For Visa Fraud

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Two individuals have been booked for allegedly defrauding a young man of Rs 20 lakhs under the guise of arranging a student visa for overseas education, according to police reports.

NIA drops UAPA against US national Van Dyke, 6 Ukrainians in terror plot

NIA drops UAPA against US national Van Dyke, 6 Ukrainians in terror plot

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against seven foreign nationals, including a US citizen and six Ukrainians, for illegal entry and alleged terror conspiracy with ethnic armed groups, though the stringent UAPA anti-terror law was not invoked at this stage.

Oracle Layoffs: 'He worked through Holi and Diwali... then locked out'

Oracle Layoffs: 'He worked through Holi and Diwali... then locked out'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

A LinkedIn post by Pooja Sahu, detailing her husband Sourabh's sudden layoff from Oracle after 12 years of dedicated service, including working through holidays and even from a hospital, has gone viral, capturing the emotional toll of the tech giant's latest job cuts.

Man Arrested For Cheating Delhi Resident In Visa Fraud

Man Arrested For Cheating Delhi Resident In Visa Fraud

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a man from Maharashtra for allegedly cheating a Delhi resident of Rs 9.25 lakh on the pretext of arranging a visa and overseas job.

How Delhi Police Busted Interstate Fake Visa Racket

How Delhi Police Busted Interstate Fake Visa Racket

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have busted an interstate fake visa and overseas job racket that allegedly duped hundreds of job seekers. Three people have been arrested for luring victims with promises of high-paying jobs in countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Nepal has introduced a media safety and operational protocol for journalists covering flood-affected regions, particularly for foreign media. The new guidelines, issued after devastating floods on August 26, mandate accreditation, adherence to safety instructions, and restrictions on movement in rescue zones to ensure orderly reporting and prevent interference with relief efforts.

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

UPI charges: Govt rejects rollback amid Opposition outcry

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.

PNB targets wealth management entry by 2027, ramps up credit card portfolio

PNB targets wealth management entry by 2027, ramps up credit card portfolio

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) is strategically planning to enter the wealth management segment by early 2027 and significantly expand its credit card portfolio, aiming to tap into lucrative markets largely dominated by private-sector banks.

Arundhati Bhattacharya: 'Nothing Was Guaranteed, Nothing Was Given'

Arundhati Bhattacharya: 'Nothing Was Guaranteed, Nothing Was Given'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'Giving up is very easy. But don't give up. Try out whatever you can. Something will happen.'

Iran Football Team Applies For US, Canada Visas Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

Iran Football Team Applies For US, Canada Visas Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team attended visa appointments in Ankara, Turkey, applying for Canadian visas and some players also submitting applications for US entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

'Big U-turn For My Life': Former India Cricketer Jacob Martin Acquitted in 22-Year-Old Forgery Case

'Big U-turn For My Life': Former India Cricketer Jacob Martin Acquitted in 22-Year-Old Forgery Case

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin has been acquitted of all charges by the Patiala House Court in a 22-year-old criminal case involving allegations of forgery and passport act violations, bringing him significant relief after years of stress.

Abu Dhabi Targets Indian Tourists

Abu Dhabi Targets Indian Tourists

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

'India was the emirate's largest international source market by hotel guest volume.'

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has refuted allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments. The ministry clarified that the NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI to promote domestic alternatives and ensure a self-sustaining revenue model for smaller domestic companies, countering claims of favouring foreign payment providers.

Kanpur engineer alleges torture by Russian police, questions embassy's role

Kanpur engineer alleges torture by Russian police, questions embassy's role

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A Kanpur-based engineer, Chandan Gupta, alleges he was abused, threatened, and tortured during a 48-hour detention by Russian police in Moscow. He denies charges of public intoxication and property damage, claiming police provided no evidence and denied him contact with family or a translator. Gupta also criticises the Indian Embassy's handling of the situation, stating they relied solely on the Russian police's version of events. Traumatised, he has returned to India and vows never to work abroad again.

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The US government on Friday issued a new policy memo tightening rules for foreign nationals on temporary visas seeking permanent residency, stating that persons wanting a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in "extraordinary circumstances".

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

'Tightening of visa norms for international students around the world are a concern for the university and the education sector, even as the UK continues to offer relatively attractive post-study work opportunities compared to several competing markets.'

Bombay HC flags Aadhaar, PAN card fraud by infiltrators

Bombay HC flags Aadhaar, PAN card fraud by infiltrators

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has identified a worrying trend of foreign nationals infiltrating India, fraudulently acquiring documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards to claim Indian citizenship. The court highlighted serious gaps in inter-agency coordination and document verification, noting that some individuals have engaged in anti-national activities. It urged the Centre to amend the Aadhaar Act to facilitate tracing and deportation, and to establish procedures for dealing with human trafficking and border infiltration. The ruling came during a case involving an Afghan national who overstayed his visa and obtained fake documents to secure an Indian passport.

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 later on Friday (local time). A White House official confirmed the development to ANI without revealing further details.

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has articulated India's position on BRICS, advocating for it to be a "non-West, but not anti-West" platform, a stance he believes is crucial for India's national interest. He highlighted the prestige of hosting the BRICS summit, India's responsibility to represent the Global South, and the significance of bilateral meetings, particularly with China and Russia. Tharoor also addressed the strained India-China relations, citing border issues and trade leverage, and discussed the challenges within BRICS, including difficulties in achieving consensus on global issues and trade imbalances, while also considering the need for diversified international relations amidst unpredictable US sanctions.

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

Rediff.com24 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding changes to US visa and immigration policies, emphasising that legal mobility should not be negatively affected. Rubio acknowledged potential 'bumps' during the transition as the US aims to improve its immigration system.

Indian-origin man loses US citizenship 15 years after rape conviction

Indian-origin man loses US citizenship 15 years after rape conviction

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York has revoked the naturalisation of Gurmeet Singh, an Indian-origin man, after he was convicted of rape and kidnapping. Singh had concealed these serious criminal acts during his naturalisation process, leading to the federal court's decision to strip him of his US citizenship.

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'It requires new skilling, new ways of working, and new structures. That's the reality.'

India eases sports visas for Pakistan but bilateral freeze stays

India eases sports visas for Pakistan but bilateral freeze stays

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India will allow Pakistan athletes and teams to compete in international events hosted in the country, but bilateral sporting ties between the neighbours remain suspended.

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating Form I-485 for permanent residence, effective September 18, 2026, with no grace period for older versions. This change, aligning with public-charge inadmissibility rules, significantly impacts Green Card applicants, particularly Indian nationals facing visa backlogs, who must use the correct form version to avoid rejection.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading 'hate and false narratives'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the recent World Cup, accusing critics of spreading 'hate and false narratives' and overlooking the tournament's success in promoting unity, safety, and inclusion.

Gurnoor Brar added to North Zone squad as selectors push for more red-ball exposure

Gurnoor Brar added to North Zone squad as selectors push for more red-ball exposure

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Gurnoor Brar has joined North Zone for the Duleep Trophy semifinal, with selectors using the opportunity to boost the India pacer's red-ball exposure ahead of New Zealand Tests.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Sardar 2 Review: The Spy Who Bored Me

Sardar 2 Review: The Spy Who Bored Me

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Sardar 2 has the interesting spy games, but too many convenient shortcuts and a tedious runtime leave this sequel struggling to match the crisp, engaging original, argues Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Indian National Among Those Arrested In Sri Lanka For Visa Overstay

Indian National Among Those Arrested In Sri Lanka For Visa Overstay

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

An Indian national is among 50 people arrested in Sri Lanka for overstaying their visas. The arrests were made in Negombo city, a tourist destination near Colombo. The arrested individuals, including 47 Chinese and two Malaysians, entered Sri Lanka on business visas but remained illegally after their visas expired.

With New Zealand series in mind, BCCI to arrange County stint for pacer Auqib Nabi

With New Zealand series in mind, BCCI to arrange County stint for pacer Auqib Nabi

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The BCCI is arranging short-term county cricket contracts for talented Indian pacers like Auqib Nabi to prepare them for future international tours, specifically eyeing India's Test series in New Zealand. This initiative aims to provide red-ball experience and exposure to different conditions.

Now you can contribute to Nepal flood relief from India via UPI

Now you can contribute to Nepal flood relief from India via UPI

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

India's UPI International payment system is now playing a crucial role in humanitarian efforts, enabling seamless disaster relief donations from Indian users to Nepal's Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, showcasing its growing global acceptance and utility beyond tourism. UPI IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Unsplash Key Points UPI International, initially for Indian tourists, is now facilitating disaster relief donations to Nepal's Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. The embassy of Nepal in India is actively encouraging Indian users to utilise their UPI apps for these contributions. This marks a significant shift, expanding UPI's cross-border use case beyond tourism to include inbound collection for foreign governments. The move positions UPI International alongside global payment giants like Alipay+ and UnionPay for international aid. Donors need to activate the UPI International feature on their apps to transact, with amounts converted from INR to NPR.

Surrey call-up puts Auqib Nabi on fast track for India's New Zealand Test plans

Surrey call-up puts Auqib Nabi on fast track for India's New Zealand Test plans

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Auqib Nabi's Surrey stint will provide crucial first-class exposure in England as the J&K pacer seeks to strengthen his case for India's Test squad for New Zealand.

Bill to pause H-1B visas for 3 years introduced in US Congress

Bill to pause H-1B visas for 3 years introduced in US Congress

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A group of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress has introduced a bill proposing a three-year pause to the H1-B visa programme, citing concerns that it is being used to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labour.

Why UPI Should Be Kept Free

Why UPI Should Be Kept Free

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Making UPI payments fee-based for some transactions could enhance mental reservations against digital payments -- which have largely been overcome -- once more. Do we want to regress?, asks R Jagannthan.

Ten Indian Nationals Face Charges in US Visa Fraud Scheme

Ten Indian Nationals Face Charges in US Visa Fraud Scheme

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Ten Indian nationals living illegally in the US have been indicted for conspiring to stage armed robberies at convenience stores to fraudulently obtain visas.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

Woman Allegedly Harassed by Visa Agents Dies by Suicide

Woman Allegedly Harassed by Visa Agents Dies by Suicide

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A 44-year-old woman in Kurukshetra allegedly committed suicide due to harassment by visa agents who took a large sum of money from her family with the promise of sending her son to Australia. The agents allegedly failed to deliver on their promise and refused to return the money and documents.