News for 'VISA'

'Unacceptable!' India sees red over stapled Chinese visas

'Unacceptable!' India sees red over stapled Chinese visas

Rediff.com27 Jul 2023

India on Thursday described as "unacceptable" China issuing stapled visas to some sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh and asserted that it reserves the right to "suitably respond" to such actions.

Agent promised legal US entry, spent around Rs 50L but....: Deportee

Agent promised legal US entry, spent around Rs 50L but....: Deportee

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rohit, a young man from Punjab, India, was deported from the United States after a perilous journey that cost him his life savings and left his family in financial ruin. He had been promised legal entry to the U.S. by a travel agent in Amritsar, but his hopes were dashed when he was apprehended for illegally crossing the border. The ordeal highlights the risks associated with illegal migration and the exploitation faced by vulnerable individuals seeking a better life.

682 Indians deported from US since January: Govt

682 Indians deported from US since January: Govt

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

According to the minister, the government continues to be engaged with the US to promote mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks for streamlining the movement of students and professionals and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel.

US firms can now hire Indian graduates from top universities

US firms can now hire Indian graduates from top universities

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

US President Donald Trump has said that the newly proposed 'gold card' initiative will allow American companies to hire Indian graduates from top US universities like Harvard and Stanford. Trump on Wednesday unveiled the 'gold card' initiative for wealthy foreigners, giving them the right to live and work in the country and offering a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

'There's A Cost To Supporting Terrorism'

'There's A Cost To Supporting Terrorism'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

'Whatever we do, the purpose will be to re-establish deterrence.'

After Thailand, Sri Lanka, this country to allow visa-free entry to Indians

After Thailand, Sri Lanka, this country to allow visa-free entry to Indians

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

The 30-day visa-free entry is also currently enjoyed by eight ASEAN countries for the purpose of social visits, tourism and business.

India may resume issuance of visas to Canadians if...: Jaishankar

India may resume issuance of visas to Canadians if...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com22 Oct 2023

The external affairs minister also said that India is likely to resume issuance of visas to Canadians if it sees progress in the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A police officer and his eight siblings, including five sisters, were deported to Pakistan on Wednesday despite a court order granting them temporary relief. The nine members of the extended family, who have been living in Jammu and Kashmir for generations, were among more than two dozen people, mostly from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were served deportation notices following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The deportation has sparked outrage, with protests and appeals for intervention from the home minister and lieutenant governor. The family members claim they are not Pakistani nationals and have been living in the region for generations, presenting revenue records to support their claims. The court has ordered a detailed report on the case within two weeks and will hear it again on May 20.

H-1B visa renewal programme to start in Dec, Indians to benefit most

H-1B visa renewal programme to start in Dec, Indians to benefit most

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

In a move that will benefit a significantly large number of Indian technology professionals, the US is set to begin a pilot programme for domestic renewal of certain categories of H-1B visas in December. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

India says China issued invalid visas to three Indian athletes

India says China issued invalid visas to three Indian athletes

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

India on Friday strongly protested China's decision to issue invalid visas to some of its athletes for the Asian Games.

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Many unauthorised migrants originate from Punjab and Gujarat, states known for high migration aspirations rather than political instability.

China issues 'stapled visas' to 3 Arunachal wushu players

China issues 'stapled visas' to 3 Arunachal wushu players

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

Three wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh, who were to take part in the World University Games beginning on Friday in Chengdu, were issued 'stapled visas' by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, which led to the entire team being held back while the players from other sports left the country.

Is AICF Playing Spoilsport?

Is AICF Playing Spoilsport?

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'The Asian Chess Championship will give great exposure for young chess players. But the AICF is curtailing the number of Indian players with a strange rule.'

Medal contenders miss Jr chess tourney due to visa issues

Medal contenders miss Jr chess tourney due to visa issues

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

The curtailed squad that is now travelling to the Mexican capital include Rakshitta Ravi, Bommini Mounika Akshaya and Amulya Guruprasad among girls while Harshavardhan GB, Pranav Anand, Dushyant Sharma and

Trump's 'Gold Card': Get US residency in $5 million

Trump's 'Gold Card': Get US residency in $5 million

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will introduce a 'gold card' for wealthy foreigners, granting them the right to live and work in the country, with a pathway to citizenship, in exchange for a $5 million fee, CNN reported.

Will Rohit attend Champions Trophy opening ceremony in Pakistan?

Will Rohit attend Champions Trophy opening ceremony in Pakistan?

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy will be held either on February 16 or 17 and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is confident that India captain Rohit Sharma will be in attendance at the event.

Kerala man shot dead at Jordan-Israel border

Kerala man shot dead at Jordan-Israel border

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

A man from Kerala, Ani Thomas Gabriel, 47, was shot dead at the Jordan-Israel border on February 10, according to his relatives. Gabriel's family received an email from the Indian Embassy on March 1 confirming his death. Gabriel and a relative, Edison, were attempting to cross the border with the help of an agent. Edison was also shot but survived and has since returned home with injuries. Gabriel is survived by his wife, Christeena.

World Cup: PCB wants ICC to expedite visa process for media, fans

World Cup: PCB wants ICC to expedite visa process for media, fans

Rediff.com30 Sep 2023

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday wrote to the sport's governing body ICC for expediting the visa process for journalists and fans who wish to travel to India for the World Cup beginning October 5.

OCI cardholder's rights cannot be curtailed arbitrarily: HC

OCI cardholder's rights cannot be curtailed arbitrarily: HC

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the rights of an overseas citizen of India (OCI) cardholder cannot be arbitrarily curtailed, stating that the deportation and blacklisting of a US citizen holding an OCI card, accused of unauthorized missionary activities, did not follow proper statutory procedure. The court emphasized the need for natural justice, requiring an opportunity for the individual to be heard and contest the allegations before any action is taken.

With visas for World Cup in limbo, PCB writes to ICC

With visas for World Cup in limbo, PCB writes to ICC

Rediff.com25 Sep 2023

Subject to visa, the team will now leave for Hyderabad from Lahore in the wee hours of September 27 and reach Hyderabad via Dubai in the night.

Colombia agrees to take back migrants, Trump pauses tariffs

Colombia agrees to take back migrants, Trump pauses tariffs

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs and a travel ban on Colombia after the South American nation refused to accept two American military planes deporting undocumented Colombians. The move comes after President Trump announced mass deportations of illegal immigrants and warned countries of consequences if they refuse to accept them. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, in a post on X, said that the US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals and denied the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into Colombian territory. Trump responded by imposing a 25% tariff on all goods coming into the US, a travel ban and immediate visa revocations on Colombian government officials, and visa sanctions on all party members, family members and supporters of the Colombian government. The US also announced enhanced customs and border protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds. In retaliation, Colombia announced a 25% import tariff on American products.

'India's Response Will Be Big'

'India's Response Will Be Big'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'Diplomatic and economic responses are first announced and then implemented. A military response is announced only after it is done.'

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an ambitious plan to develop the country's top 50 tourist destinations in a "challenge mode", with the aim of boosting employment-led growth and attracting international visitors. The Ministry of Tourism has received a significant budget increase for 2025-2026, with a focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure, promoting domestic and international travel, and ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly women. The government plans to promote homestays, improve connectivity to tourist spots, and provide performance-linked incentives to states that demonstrate effective destination management. The budget also includes investments in public enterprises, skill development programs, and initiatives to promote medical tourism and spiritual tourism.

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Our visa operations in Bangladesh constitute the largest visa operations India conducts worldwide. This has taken a hit after Sheikh Hasina's government was overthrown and India reduced its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, notes Aakar Patel.

MotoGP India: Visa hassles for champ Marc Marquez, others

MotoGP India: Visa hassles for champ Marc Marquez, others

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Former MotoGP rider Capirossi pleased with BIC ahead of inaugural race

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan has fired one bullet at us then we have to respond by firing 10 bullets at them. It is our right to do so.'

MDMA worth Rs 75 cr seized in biggest drug bust in K'taka, 2 held

MDMA worth Rs 75 cr seized in biggest drug bust in K'taka, 2 held

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Mangaluru Police in Karnataka have seized over 37 kg of MDMA, valued at Rs 75 crore, marking the biggest-ever drug haul in the state. Two South African nationals were arrested in Bengaluru in connection with the case. The operation stemmed from an earlier arrest six months ago, leading authorities to an international drug network with links to traffickers using air routes between Delhi and Bengaluru. The arrested individuals are suspected of supplying drugs to Nigerian peddlers and using forged passports and visas for travel. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded the police operation and highlighted the government's commitment to building a drug-free society.

Infosys Q3 profit up 11.5%; raises growth guidance

Infosys Q3 profit up 11.5%; raises growth guidance

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

IT services major Infosys on Thursday reported 11.46 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 6,806 crore for December quarter FY25 and raised its guidance on the back of growth in financial services and manufacturing. The company had logged a profit of Rs 6,106 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Posing a series of questions to the prime minister, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also asked if Modi would convey to the US president that India would send its own aircraft -- like Venezuela and Colombia did -- to bring back Indian deportees in the future.

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way'

Djokovic still traumatised at Melbourne airport

Djokovic still traumatised at Melbourne airport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Djokovic, who is ranked seventh in the world, will be on the hunt for a record 25th major title when the 2025 Australian Open begins next Sunday.

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest'. It is not, simply because Pakistan's existence -- that is synonymous with its army -- means peace has no chance, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd). It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest' asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

3 Indian students killed in Canada

3 Indian students killed in Canada

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the safety of Indian students in Canada after three students were murdered last week. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian High Commission in Ottawa has raised the issue with Canadian authorities, emphasizing the importance of the safety and security of Indian nationals. The MEA has also issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students to exercise caution and remain vigilant due to the growing incidence of hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada.

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, was extradited to India to face charges related to his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The US Department of Justice said Rana allegedly commended the LeT terrorists who carried out the attacks and suggested they should be awarded Pakistan's highest gallantry award. Rana is accused of facilitating a fraudulent cover for his childhood friend, David Headley, to conduct surveillance in Mumbai for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. He is also accused of helping Headley submit false visa applications to Indian authorities. This extradition follows a lengthy legal process that began in 2020 with India's request for Rana's surrender. Rana, who was previously convicted in the US for providing material support to LeT, will now face trial in India on 10 criminal charges related to the Mumbai attacks.

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'India today feels enough is enough and we need to teach Pakistan a lesson.' 'Unless compelled, Mr Modi will think 10 times before taking the extreme step.'

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Terrorism and insurgency in J&K had subsided when India demolished East Pakistan -- for the simple reason that Pakistan understands power. We need to follow Chanakya's dictum of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed for strategising against Pakistan, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd). The ground truth is that unless we are prepared to acknowledge our shortcomings, including massive intelligence failures, punish those responsible and take corrective actions, we will continue in the same vein, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

A peek into Auto Expo 2025

A peek into Auto Expo 2025

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

More than 40 new product launches are expected at the upcoming Auto Expo which will be held under the umbrella of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 from January 17-22, a government official said on Tuesday. With visas continuing to be an issue, large scale participation of Chinese companies are unlikely although some of them are participating at the expo, Joint Secretary at Ministry of Commerce and Industry Vimal Anand said at the sidelines of curtain raiser of 'Bharat Battery Show' which will also be a part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.