India, Brazil agree on 10-year multiple-entry visitor visas
Sri Lanka launches Digital Nomad Visa and extends tourist e-visa validity, eyeing Indian remote workers
India and Gulf Cooperation Council restart FTA negotiations, aim to ease labour mobility
Latest News
Kuwait launches in-app passport-update service, streamlining renewals for Indian expatriates
Kuwait has enabled digital passport-detail updates for expatriates via its Sahel app, cutting processing times from weeks to hours. The upgrade benefits nearly a million Indians in Kuwait, easing compliance for employers and reducing the risk of fines or travel disruptions.
Surat to gain direct flights to Noida, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai from 30 March 2026
From 30 March 2026, Surat will be linked by air to Noida (Jewar), Navi Mumbai and Mumbai, cutting surface-travel time and paving the way for future international connections. The routes will benefit companies shuttling staff between Gujarat’s manufacturing hub and India’s emerging global gateways.
USCIS sets 4–19 March window for FY 2027 H-1B registrations; new $215 filing fee confirmed
USCIS will open FY 2027 H-1B registrations from 4–19 March 2026 and has raised the per-registration fee to US $215. Indian IT and consulting firms—historically the largest users of the visa—must factor in higher costs and stricter anti-duplication rules when planning talent deployments.
India implements Baggage Rules 2026, raising duty-free allowance to ₹75,000 and digitising customs forms
Effective 2 February, India’s Baggage Rules 2026 boost the duty-free allowance to ₹75,000, introduce weight-based jewellery limits, and roll out a mandatory digital customs declaration. The overhaul simplifies compliance for returning residents, expatriates and frequent business travellers, and is expected to reduce congestion at arrival halls.
MEA urges Indians in Iran to depart immediately; new helplines published for 10,000-strong community
India’s foreign ministry has told its nationals to leave Iran immediately amid escalating unrest, activating emergency helplines for the estimated 10,000-strong Indian community. Companies with staff on the ground should initiate contingency plans.
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.