USCIS sets 4–19 March window for FY 2027 H-1B registrations; new $215 filing fee confirmed
India implements Baggage Rules 2026, raising duty-free allowance to ₹75,000 and digitising customs forms
MEA urges Indians in Iran to depart immediately; new helplines published for 10,000-strong community
Latest News
Canada’s 3 February Express Entry draw issues 423 invitations to PNP candidates, CRS cut-off at 749
IRCC’s 3 February Express Entry draw invited 423 provincial nominees with a CRS cut-off of 749. Indians—who receive the largest share of PNP nominations—should leverage provincial tech and healthcare streams to secure the 600-point CRS boost that guarantees an invitation.
IndiGo suspends flights over Iranian airspace, cancels services to Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku and Tashkent until 28 February
Citing heightened security risks, IndiGo has cancelled flights that normally transit Iranian airspace until 28 February 2026. The move disrupts popular business routes into Central Asia and forces Indian corporates to re-route staff or delay travel.
India raises duty-free allowance to ₹75,000 under New Baggage Rules 2026
India has liberalised its customs regime for arriving passengers. Effective 2 February 2026, the duty-free limit jumps to ₹75,000, jewellery allowances are now weight-based, and passengers can file electronic declarations before landing. The changes should cut clearance times, lower relocation costs and reduce disputes at Indian airports—welcome news for multinationals rotating staff into the country.
IndiGo cancels four Central-Asia routes until 28 February amid Iran airspace risks
Citing escalating military tension around Iran, IndiGo has cancelled flights to four Central-Asian capitals until 28 February 2026. The move forces Indian business travellers onto longer, costlier routings and highlights growing geopolitical risk in West Asian skies.
Budget 2026 offers five-year overseas-income tax holiday to NRIs on short-term assignments
The Union Budget carves out a five-year income-tax exemption on foreign earnings for NRIs who accept India-based roles under approved programmes. The move lowers cost-to-company for cross-border assignments and is expected to boost India’s appeal as a regional talent hub.
Dense fog in Delhi triggers widespread flight delays; airport issues real-time advisory
Visibility plunged to 100 metres in Delhi-NCR on 3 February, delaying more than 150 flights and prompting the airport to issue a passenger advisory. With dense fog forecast for several days, companies should brace for schedule disruptions on key domestic and international routes.
Avalanche alert shutters high-altitude roads in Himachal, stranding tourists and supply trucks
DRDO’s avalanche-monitoring unit has imposed a Level-3 alert across four Himachal districts, forcing road closures and stranding hundreds of travellers. Companies with staff or cargo moving through the region should expect multi-day delays and review insurance coverage for natural-hazard evacuations.