US Consulates Push H-1B Visa Interview Dates in India to 2027, Stranding Professionals
India–EU Mobility Pact Set for 27 January Summit, Opening New Work and Study Routes
India Expands e-Tourist Visa Coverage to 166 Countries, Streamlines Digital Entry
Latest News
Social-Media Screening Triggers Surge in 221(g) Visa Refusals for Indians
Tougher US social-media screening has led to a jump in ‘administrative processing’ (221(g)) refusals for Indian visa applicants, disrupting travel plans and increasing compliance costs for businesses that rely on short-term travel to the United States.
Visa-Free Thailand Tops Republic-Day Weekend Bookings for Kolkata Flyers
MakeMyTrip data show Thailand—thanks to visa-free entry and plentiful direct flights—captured the lion’s share of Kolkata’s Republic-Day long-weekend outbound traffic, illustrating how streamlined border rules can redirect Indian leisure and “bleisure” demand.
U.S. Pause on Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Could Add 50,000 Employment Green Cards—Big Win for Indian Professionals
Experts say Washington’s freeze on family-based immigrant visas for 75 countries could leave about 50,000 visas unused, shifting them to employment categories in FY 2027. Because Indians dominate employment-based queues, they are likely to capture most of the spill-over, potentially advancing green-card priority dates by several years. Companies should prepare documentation so employees can file quickly if quotas jump.
MP High Court Rules Afghan Student’s Post-Study Overstay Illegal, Signals Tougher Visa Enforcement
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has upheld a police exit order against an Afghan graduate who overstayed his student visa and began teaching without a work visa. The judgment affirms that UNHCR refugee cards do not grant the right to reside or work in India after a visa expires, signalling stricter enforcement against long-term overstays. Universities and employers are advised to tighten compliance checks for foreign nationals.
Air India Cancels New York and Newark Flights on 25–26 Jan as U.S. Blizzard Looms
A severe blizzard forecast for the U.S. Northeast has prompted Air India to cancel all JFK and Newark services on 25–26 January. Passengers will be rebooked or refunded, but corporate travellers should expect cascading delays on U.S. domestic legs. The incident underscores the need for contingency planning on critical India–U.S. routes.
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.