News for 'VISA'

Huge relief for spouses and children of H-1B visa holders

Huge relief for spouses and children of H-1B visa holders

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

In a huge relief for H-1B visa holders, a White House-backed bipartisan deal has been unveiled under which automatic work authorisation would be granted to about 100,000 H-4 visa holders, who are spouses and children of a certain category of H-1B visa holders. The National Security Agreement that was announced on Sunday after long negotiations between the Republican and the Democratic leadership in the US Senate also provides a solution to about 250,000 aged-out children of H-1B visa holders. The move comes as good news for hundreds and thousands of Indian technology professionals who are waiting in a painstakingly long wait for a Green Card, in the absence of which their spouses cannot work and their aged-out children face the threat of deportation.

$5,000 STEM Scholarship For Girls

$5,000 STEM Scholarship For Girls

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Candidates who are selected for the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship 2025 will receive up to $5,000.

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

According to a statement issued by the Grand Mufti's office, the decision was made after a high-level meeting held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, where it was decided to completely cancel the death sentence, which had been temporarily suspended earlier.

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

India is proposing a new law that would impose a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh on anyone found using a forged passport or visa to enter, stay, or exit the country. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, also mandates reporting of foreign visitors by hotels, universities, and hospitals to track overstaying individuals. The bill aims to simplify laws, ease business, and strengthen national security while promoting economic growth and tourism.

India bans imports, Pak ships entry; suspends postal services

India bans imports, Pak ships entry; suspends postal services

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Main imports from the neighbouring country during April-January 2024-25 included fruits and nuts (USD 0.08 million), certain oil seeds and medicinal plants (USD 0.26 million), and organic chemicals.

Bashir's visa issue: UK govt wants India to treat British citizens fairly

Bashir's visa issue: UK govt wants India to treat British citizens fairly

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

The UK government on Wednesday stated that India should treat British citizens "fairly" when they apply for visas after off-spinner Shoaib Bashir's arrival for the five-match Test series was delayed due to lingering issues relating to his travel documents.

Canada welcomes India's decision to resume some visa services

Canada welcomes India's decision to resume some visa services

Rediff.com26 Oct 2023

India's high commission in Canada said on Wednesday that the country's officials will resume processing some types of visa applications for Canadians applying from across the country as well as abroad.

Jaishankar speaks to Taliban minister, welcomes condemnation of Pahalgam attack

Jaishankar speaks to Taliban minister, welcomes condemnation of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com16 May 2025

India on Thursday welcomed Kabul's firm rejection of attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan during a phone conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

'US Needs India To Keep China In Check'

'US Needs India To Keep China In Check'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

'If Washington has to balance Chinese power, she will have to turn to the third biggest power in the world which is India.' 'The United States and India will have to work together in order to keep Chinese ambitions in check.'

India, UK drop key demands in FTA talks

India, UK drop key demands in FTA talks

Rediff.com7 May 2025

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.

Won't be able to enrol foreigners if...: US govt threatens Harvard

Won't be able to enrol foreigners if...: US govt threatens Harvard

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The United States Department of Homeland Security has threatened to revoke Harvard University's ability to enrol foreign students if it failed to provide by April 30 records on its international student visa holders' 'illegal and violent' activities.

Study Abroad Without Falling Into A Debt Trap

Study Abroad Without Falling Into A Debt Trap

Rediff.com20 May 2025

By choosing your study destination carefully, leveraging government schemes, comparing loan options, and adopting frugal living practices, Indian students can acquire global credentials without mortgaging their futures.

Just 12 days together: Air India crash claims bride on way to new UK life

Just 12 days together: Air India crash claims bride on way to new UK life

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Thursday's deadly crash shattered all the dreams and hopes for a happy future Ankita carried with her on board the ill-fated London-bound Air India aircraft that killed 265 people and left behind a trail of destruction and grief-stricken families.

Visas for World Cup issued to Pakistani players: ICC

Visas for World Cup issued to Pakistani players: ICC

Rediff.com25 Sep 2023

However, confusion remained in the Pakistan camp over the grant of visa.

Russian woman found living in Karnataka cave: Ex-husband wants...

Russian woman found living in Karnataka cave: Ex-husband wants...

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

An Israeli man is seeking shared custody of his two daughters after his ex-wife, a Russian woman, was found living with them in a cave in Karnataka, India. He expresses concern about their well-being and access to them if they are deported to Russia.

21 stranded Pak nationals enter Pak via Attari-Wagah border

21 stranded Pak nationals enter Pak via Attari-Wagah border

Rediff.com2 May 2025

About 21 Pakistani nationals stranded at the Attari-Wagah border following the expiry of the Indian government's deadline for them to leave the country crossed over into Pakistan through the land route of the Integrated Check Post on Friday, officials said. In wake of last week's Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government cancelled all types of visas granted to Pakistani nationals and ordered them to leave by April 30. The Attari-Wagah border, located near Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan, was shut on Thursday after being kept open till April 30. According to reports, about 70 Pakistani nationals were stranded at the border on Thursday after the deadline for them to leave India expired a day earlier. The 21 Pakistani nationals who entered Pakistan till 12 pm on Friday had been camping on the roads outside the Integrated Check Post. About 50 more Pakistani nationals are queuing outside the Integrated Check Post and may be allowed to cross over into Pakistan after due clearance of customs and immigration authorities. Pakistan on Friday announced it would continue to allow the use of the Wagah border crossing for its citizens stranded in India.

How a Trump order shook Harvard's international students

How a Trump order shook Harvard's international students

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The department of homeland security withdrew Harvard certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme, effectively barring the university from admitting new foreign students and threatened the legal status of current international enrollees.

Pak suspends all trade with India, blocks airspace

Pak suspends all trade with India, blocks airspace

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The announcements were made after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formulate the country's response to India's move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties after the Pahalgam terror attack.

US embassy in Dhaka to resume visa services this week

US embassy in Dhaka to resume visa services this week

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

Helen said the US embassy in Dhaka will resume this week its consular service to expedite visa processing.

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

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.

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The legislation is aimed at streamlining various services related to immigration and foreigners, including their entry, exit and stay in India.

Mother, daughter con prospective grooms 'eager' to settle in Canada

Mother, daughter con prospective grooms 'eager' to settle in Canada

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

A mother and daughter in Punjab are accused of defrauding men by promising marriage and emigration to Canada. The mother allegedly used her daughter's photos and videos to lure victims, collecting large sums of money with false promises of a wedding and relocation.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'Brazil, China, Colombia and India each had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstaying student/exchange visas, with India having the highest number (7,000).'

'Trump May Expand H-1B Program'

'Trump May Expand H-1B Program'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

'Trump has signaled that he has changed his stance on the H1B visa from his first term.'

World Cup-bound Pakistan cricket team await India visa

World Cup-bound Pakistan cricket team await India visa

Rediff.com23 Sep 2023

A total of 33 members of the Pakistan contingent, including players, three travelling reserves and team officials, are awaiting their visas.

'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.

Pakistan issues visas to Indian Davis Cup team

Pakistan issues visas to Indian Davis Cup team

Rediff.com28 Jan 2024

The Indian Davis Cup squad will travel to Pakistan for the first time since 1964. India defeated Pakistan 4-0 in their most recent neutral site match in 2019.

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

'Militants, Fundamentalists Are Running The Show In Bangladesh'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

'Militants are taking over the administration. Fundamentalists have been released from jail.'

191 Pak nationals return home after India sets 48-hour deadline

191 Pak nationals return home after India sets 48-hour deadline

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India has ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours. This has led to a mass exodus of Pakistani citizens from India, while several women married to Pakistani nationals and holding Indian passports are facing difficulties returning to their families in Pakistan.

US extradites fugitive Monika Kapoor after 26 years

US extradites fugitive Monika Kapoor after 26 years

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The CBI successfully managed to get Monika Kapoor extradited from the United States, ending her 25-year flight from justice. She is accused of economic offenses including forgery and fraud.

Trump's Latest Comment Gives IT Cos Hope

Trump's Latest Comment Gives IT Cos Hope

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

'Skilled labour is different from immigration.' 'While any adverse immigration ruling will impact Indians, it may not necessarily affect the IT services industry.'

Illinois Tech To Open Mumbai Campus Next Year

Illinois Tech To Open Mumbai Campus Next Year

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

At the Mumbai campus the institute will offer both UG and graduate degrees, most of its courses will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Indians Choose Learning Holidays Over Leisure

Indians Choose Learning Holidays Over Leisure

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Travellers are keen to explore traditional Indian arts and crafts like Madhubani painting in Bihar, pottery and weaving workshops in Rajasthan, or Kathakali and Kalaripayattu training in Kerala.

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

You Can Be Deported From The US If..

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Universities and immigration authorities take student conduct seriously. Behaviour that is deemed unacceptable or dangerous can lead to legal consequences, including deportation, warns Dr Pananjay Tiwari, founder and director, Impel Overseas Education.

'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra was in touch with Pak officer since 2023: Police

'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra was in touch with Pak officer since 2023: Police

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Malhotra, behind bars on suspicion of espionage, had been in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, the Pakistani staffer at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023, a source said.

Why I Want Parliament To Call Trump 'Greatest Liar Of The 21st Century'

Why I Want Parliament To Call Trump 'Greatest Liar Of The 21st Century'

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

'Ordinary Indians are not happy with the tone and tenor of the American president.'

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

'Anxious' Indian students at Harvard stare at uncertainties

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Indian students at Harvard, on condition of anonymity, shared their concerns and experiences of the last few months during which the prestigious university has seen relentless attacks by the Trump administration.

Eight posing as students, prof to UK held in Mumbai airport

Eight posing as students, prof to UK held in Mumbai airport

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Eight individuals, including seven posing as students and one as a professor, were apprehended at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai while attempting to illegally immigrate to London. The accused, who claimed to be part of an exchange program, were caught at the airport's immigration checkpoint and were found to be using forged documents and false information to obtain UK visas. The incident involved alleged human trafficking, with the accused reportedly paying Rs 20 lakh each to an agent for facilitating their illegal immigration. The case has been handed over to the Sahar Police, and the crime branch is investigating further.

Pak PM holds high-level meet to discuss India's response

Pak PM holds high-level meet to discuss India's response

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Pakistan is holding a high-level security meeting to formulate a response to India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and downgrading of diplomatic ties. The meeting, convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will include the National Security Committee, three services chiefs, and key ministers. The move comes after India blamed Pakistan for a terror attack in Pahalgam, which Pakistan has denied. Diplomatic observers warn that the escalation could further strain relations between the two countries.