U.S. Pause on Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Could Add 50,000 Employment Green Cards—Big Win for Indian Professionals
MP High Court Rules Afghan Student’s Post-Study Overstay Illegal, Signals Tougher Visa Enforcement
Air India Cancels New York and Newark Flights on 25–26 Jan as U.S. Blizzard Looms
Latest News
e-Passport Adoption Surges: Why Indian Travellers Are Opting for Chip-Enabled Passports
India’s chip-embedded e-passport is fast becoming the default travel document, with applicants citing better security and dramatically faster e-gate clearance. Corporates are urged to encourage early renewal so staff are prepared for global biometric border systems rolling out through 2026.
IndiGo Surrenders 700 Airport Slots After DGCA Orders 10 % Winter Schedule Cut
After suffering large-scale disruptions, IndiGo has voluntarily given up over 700 slots in compliance with a DGCA order slicing its winter schedule by 10 %. The freed slots will be redistributed to other carriers, potentially altering fare dynamics on key business routes. Companies should watch capacity shifts and adjust travel budgets accordingly.
Karnataka Issues Draft Rules Curtailing OCI Quota in Medical Colleges
Karnataka has drafted rules that would bar Overseas Citizen of India students from claiming reservation benefits in state medical and dental colleges, restricting them to high-fee NRI or supernumerary seats. OCI families have 15 days to file objections before the rules are finalised, and global-mobility teams may need to adjust education allowances.
Albania Courts Indian Tourists with Visa-Free Entry and E-Visa Shortcuts
Updated entry rules mean Indian citizens can visit Albania for up to 90 days without a Schengen visa if they hold certain third-country visas, or obtain a quick online e-visa. The Balkan state positions itself as a cost-effective European alternative, expanding leisure options for Indian travellers and MICE planners.
Karnataka Drafts New Quota Rules for OCI Students in Medical Colleges
Karnataka has published draft rules that strip OCI card-holders of access to reserved medical and dental seats, limiting them to higher-priced NRI or super-numerary quotas. The move implements a 2021 Supreme Court judgment and will significantly raise education costs for expatriate Indian families planning to send their children home for professional studies.
Snowstorm Shuts Srinagar Airport, Disrupts Business Travel Across North India
Heavy snow and high winds forced the closure of Srinagar airport on 23 January, stranding passengers and compelling airlines to waive change fees. The stoppage, combined with road closures and power outages, is disrupting corporate travel and on-site project work throughout Jammu & Kashmir.
EU Envoys Flag Labour-Mobility Chapter Ahead of 27 January India-EU Summit
EU ambassadors meeting in New Delhi on 23 January said the forthcoming India-EU summit is likely to include a new mobility chapter covering business visas and qualification recognition. Faster entry pathways could significantly ease European assignments for Indian professionals.
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.