Karnataka Drafts New Quota Rules for OCI Students in Medical Colleges
Snowstorm Shuts Srinagar Airport, Disrupts Business Travel Across North India
EU Envoys Flag Labour-Mobility Chapter Ahead of 27 January India-EU Summit
Latest News
Passport Processing Times Range from 4 to 40 Days, Reveals MEA Data
New government statistics show that passport issuance can take five working days in Goa but up to 40 days in Raipur, underscoring persistent regional disparities. The variation complicates urgent travel plans and adds unexpected costs for employers.
ePassports Gain Traction Among Indian Travellers for Security and Speed
India’s chip-enabled ePassports are fast becoming the default choice for new applicants, offering stronger security and enabling quicker immigration clearance. Over eight million have been issued, and expanded production should accelerate adoption through 2026.
U.S. H-1B visa-stamping backlog in India pushes interview dates into 2027
U.S. Consulates in India have pushed all regular H-1B/H-4 stamping interviews to 2027, creating a de-facto travel ban for thousands of Indian tech workers. The backlog, driven by new social-media vetting rules, forces companies to freeze non-essential travel and redraw project timelines. Employers should counsel staff to avoid international trips, explore third-country renewal options and budget for extended stays in India.
Gulf bloc delays launch of ‘GCC Grand Tours’ unified visa to late 2026
The GCC has postponed its single tourist visa to late-2026, citing technical and security-system integration challenges. Indian business and leisure travellers must continue applying for separate visas to each Gulf country, delaying expected savings on compliance fees and itinerary flexibility.
India forms high-level panel to redistribute IndiGo’s curtailed airport slots
Aviation authorities have set up a committee to redistribute IndiGo’s surrendered airport slots and have told rival airlines they must add fresh aircraft and crew to qualify. The reallocation aims to stabilise India’s domestic network after December’s mass cancellations, with implications for business-travel itineraries and tight international connections.
India overtakes UK as second-largest overseas market for U.S. tourism
Brand USA says India has become the United States’ second-largest overseas visitor market, with arrivals 40 percent above pre-pandemic levels. Booming leisure and business travel will tighten seat availability and hotel inventory, even as visa backlogs persist.