<p>The Union Home Ministry has revised its rules under the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, directing foreign nationals to complete their registration process if they intend to stay in India after 180 days. It also introduced relaxations in certain cases involving children born to foreign parents.</p><p><br>According to a notification issued by the ministry and published in the official gazette on Monday, foreign nationals entering India on visas valid for 180 days or less must complete their registration before the end of those 180 days if they intend to stay in the country beyond the authorised duration.</p><p><br>The amended rule replaces the previous provision, under which foreigners were permitted to register within 14 days after completing 180 days from their date of arrival in India. The notification stated, “The Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), in rule 12, ‘(a) in sub-rule (1), ‘(i) in the third proviso, for the words ‘within fourteen days after the expiry of one hundred and eighty days of his arrival in India’, the words ‘any time before the expiry of the said period of one hundred and eighty days’ shall be substituted."</p><p><br>The new provisions also apply to foreigners holding visas exceeding 180 days, but with the condition that “each stay shall not exceed 180 days". If someone wishes to remain in India, either on a single visit or for more than the prescribed limit during a calendar year, they will now have to register before completing 180 days in India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-s-cmars-lab-at-niot-to-develop-marine-autonomous-robots-1780375743910">Indian Govt's CMARS lab at NIOT to develop Marine Autonomous Robots</a></p><h3>New rules for born children</h3><p>In addition, the government has clarified that approvals for such registrations over the specified stay period would now be given “only in emergent circumstances". The amended framework also brings respite in issues related to children born in India where one or both parents are foreign nationals.</p><p><br>Previously, parents were required to notify the registration officer electronically within 30 days of a child's birth to avail themselves of visa-related services, such as securing a new visa or obtaining exit permission through the prescribed online portal or mobile application.</p><p><br>Under the amended rules, this requirement will not apply if either parent is an Indian citizen and chooses to retain the child's Indian citizenship. However, the notification specifies that if the child subsequently acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of the acquisition of that citizenship.</p><p><br>The notification also introduces changes to reporting requirements and administrative procedures for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare establishments that provide treatment, accommodation, or sleeping facilities on their premises.</p>

India has revised immigration rules, requiring foreigners planning to stay beyond 180 days to register before the deadline. The Home Ministry also relaxed certain requirements for children born in India to foreign parents and updated reporting norms for hospitals.

The Union Home Ministry has revised its rules under the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, directing foreign nationals to complete their registration process if they intend to stay in India after 180 days. It also introduced relaxations in certain cases involving children born to foreign parents. According to a notification issued by the ministry and published in the official gazette on Monday, foreign nationals entering India on visas valid for 180 days or less must complete their registration before the end of those 180 days if they intend to stay in the country beyond the authorised duration. The amended rule replaces the previous provision, under which foreigners were permitted to register within 14 days after completing 180 days from their date of arrival in India. The notification stated, “The Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), in rule 12, ‘(a) in sub-rule (1), ‘(i) in the third proviso, for the words ‘within fourteen days after the expiry of one hundred and eighty days of his arrival in India’, the words ‘any time before the expiry of the said period of one hundred and eighty days’ shall be substituted." The new provisions also apply to foreigners holding visas exceeding 180 days, but with the condition that “each stay shall not exceed 180 days". If someone wishes to remain in India, either on a single visit or for more than the prescribed limit during a calendar year, they will now have to register before completing 180 days in India. Also read: Indian Govt's CMARS lab at NIOT to develop Marine Autonomous Robots New rules for born children In addition, the government has clarified that approvals for such registrations over the specified stay period would now be given “only in emergent circumstances". The amended framework also brings respite in issues related to children born in India where one or both parents are foreign nationals. Previously, parents were required to notify the registration officer electronically within 30 days of a child's birth to avail themselves of visa-related services, such as securing a new visa or obtaining exit permission through the prescribed online portal or mobile application. Under the amended rules, this requirement will not apply if either parent is an Indian citizen and chooses to retain the child's Indian citizenship. However, the notification specifies that if the child subsequently acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of the acquisition of that citizenship. The notification also introduces changes to reporting requirements and administrative procedures for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare establishments that provide treatment, accommodation, or sleeping facilities on their premises.

<p>India has revised immigration rules, requiring foreigners planning to stay beyond 180 days to register before the deadline. The Home Ministry also relaxed certain requirements for children born in India to foreign parents and updated reporting norms for hospitals.</p>

India revises immigration rules for foreigners, mandates registration for stays beyond 180 days

<p>Francesca Orsini, a London-based scholar of Hindi and South Asian literature, has been denied entry to India despite holding an Indian visa valid for another five years. Orsini, who is professor emeritus at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London was deported after her arrival at the Delhi airport Monday night, over alleged visa violations. Peter Kornicki, her husband said that Indian immigration authorities did not offer her an explanation for their action. However, news agency PTI quoted a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs and said that Orsini was travelling on a tourist visa, but she misused it for academic activity and since March 2025, she was blacklisted. She was deported to Hong Kong within hours because her purpose of travel did not match her visa category.</p><h2>Who is Francesca Orsini?</h2><p>Francesca Orsini is a leading scholar of Hindi and professor emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Orsini is originally from Italy, where she completed her undergraduate studies in Hindi, Orsini later studied at the Central Institute of Hindi and Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. Orisini is author of ‘The Hindi Public Sphere 1920-1940: Language and Literature in the Age of Nationalism’, published by Oxford University Press in 2002. Orsini held a fellowship at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute during the 2013–2014 academic year. She previously taught at the University of Cambridge and at SOAS, University of London. After more than thirty years of affiliation with SOAS, she retired from the institution in 2021. Her work explores the Hindi language in the context of nationalist movements during that period, focusing on literary texts and journals.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Indian Express quoted Alok Rai, former professor at Delhi University’s Department of English, and said, “She came to India to learn Hindi, and fell in love with the country. Her first big work was on the making of the Hindi public sphere, and she then went beyond that. She has done detailed textual work on older texts, and is a very meticulous textual scholar. She is also an Urdu scholar… and has studied Persian.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In October of last year, Orsini presented the second Shamsur Rahman Faruqi Memorial Lecture, titled ‘The Purab: A Multilingual Literary History’, an event hosted by the Dastangoi Collective in Delhi. In 2020, she gave talks at both Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi and the University of Delhi, focusing on themes of literary history and world literature. At the University of Delhi, her lecture centered on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat. Additionally, in 2021, she delivered the BN Ganguli Memorial Lecture online, organized by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, where she spoke on ‘Hindi Internationalism: Literature and the Cold War.’</p>

Francesca Orsini, a renowned Hindi and South Asian literature scholar and professor emerita at SOAS, was deported from India over alleged visa misuse. Despite a valid visa, authorities claimed she engaged in academic work on a tourist visa. She's known for her work on Hindi, Urdu

Francesca Orsini, a London-based scholar of Hindi and South Asian literature, has been denied entry to India despite holding an Indian visa valid for another five years. Orsini, who is professor emeritus at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London was deported after her arrival at the Delhi airport Monday night, over alleged visa violations. Peter Kornicki, her husband said that Indian immigration authorities did not offer her an explanation for their action. However, news agency PTI quoted a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs and said that Orsini was travelling on a tourist visa, but she misused it for academic activity and since March 2025, she was blacklisted. She was deported to Hong Kong within hours because her purpose of travel did not match her visa category. Who is Francesca Orsini? Francesca Orsini is a leading scholar of Hindi and professor emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Orsini is originally from Italy, where she completed her undergraduate studies in Hindi, Orsini later studied at the Central Institute of Hindi and Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. Orisini is author of ‘The Hindi Public Sphere 1920-1940: Language and Literature in the Age of Nationalism’, published by Oxford University Press in 2002. Orsini held a fellowship at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute during the 2013–2014 academic year. She previously taught at the University of Cambridge and at SOAS, University of London. After more than thirty years of affiliation with SOAS, she retired from the institution in 2021. Her work explores the Hindi language in the context of nationalist movements during that period, focusing on literary texts and journals. The Indian Express quoted Alok Rai, former professor at Delhi University’s Department of English, and said, “She came to India to learn Hindi, and fell in love with the country. Her first big work was on the making of the Hindi public sphere, and she then went beyond that. She has done detailed textual work on older texts, and is a very meticulous textual scholar. She is also an Urdu scholar… and has studied Persian.” In October of last year, Orsini presented the second Shamsur Rahman Faruqi Memorial Lecture, titled ‘The Purab: A Multilingual Literary History’, an event hosted by the Dastangoi Collective in Delhi. In 2020, she gave talks at both Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi and the University of Delhi, focusing on themes of literary history and world literature. At the University of Delhi, her lecture centered on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat. Additionally, in 2021, she delivered the BN Ganguli Memorial Lecture online, organized by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, where she spoke on ‘Hindi Internationalism: Literature and the Cold War.’

<p>Francesca Orsini, a renowned Hindi and South Asian literature scholar and professor emerita at SOAS, was deported from India over alleged visa misuse. Despite a valid visa, authorities claimed she engaged in academic work on a tourist visa. She's known for her work on Hindi, Urdu</p>

UK professor Francesca Orsini deported from Delhi airport: Who is she and why was she refused entry into India?

<p>The Trump administration has proposed a hike in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 in a sudden, arbitrary and confusing move that primarily targets Indian high-tech professionals. This constitutes a non-tariff barrier to market access and reflects a form of US trade protectionism. Both the US and India are signatories to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), a key framework under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Mode 4 of GATS deals with the ‘movement of natural persons’. India has been a long-standing advocate of Mode 4, which is crucial to its strength in global trade in services. No country has ever legally challenged another under the WTO specifically over Mode 4. If India were to do so against the US, it would be a world first. But will it? What is the legal argument? What are the pros and cons of a potential India–US dispute at the WTO over arbitrary visa regulations? Let's break it down.</p><h2>Why Mode 4 of WTO on movement of natural persons is important for India</h2><p>India is one of the largest exporters of services globally, for which it heavily relies on the temporary movement of natural persons. Mode 4 under the WTO’s GATS ensures this cross-border trade in services, especially in IT, consulting, and professional sectors. The US is a key destination for such movement of people, offering visa categories such as H-1B and L-1, which broadly correspond to its Mode 4 commitments under GATS.</p><p>An arbitrary and disproportionate increase in visa fees, such as the proposed hike to $100,000 for H-1B visas, would in effect restrict access of the Indian IT industry to the US market, severely impacting Indian service providers and other foreign service suppliers.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-you-have-h-1b-visa-us-official-says-indians-don-t-need-to-rush-here-s-why-1758387383378">Do you have H-1B visa? US official says Indians DON’T NEED to rush. Here’s why</a></p><h2>Legal basis under WTO/GATS on the movement of persons as part of trade</h2><p>Under Article XVI, which deals with market access, and Article XVII, which deals with national treatment, GATS prevents WTO members from imposing measures that nullify or impair the commitments made on trade in services, including those related to Mode 4. The US is committed to allowing temporary entry for specific categories of natural persons. However, the arbitrary rise in visa fees and harsh immigration regulations targeting specific countries would make entry into the US prohibitively expensive or impossible for Indian professionals and other service suppliers. This can be construed as quantitative restrictions or non-tariff barriers that violate WTO provisions.</p><p>Visa fees are not explicitly regulated by GATS, but they are an essential part of immigration and market access conditions. Excessive or arbitrary fee hikes constitute non-tariff barriers by effectively restricting the entry of service providers, undermining the principles of reasonable, transparent, and non-discriminatory access enshrined in WTO commitments.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-floats-k-visa-amid-trump-s-h1-b-chaos-1758559833186/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-floats-k-visa-amid-trump-s-h1-b-chaos-1758559833186/embed</a></p><h2>US visa fee hikes as de facto quantitative restrictions on trade</h2><p>A visa fee hike of an extreme magnitude like the $100,000 for H-1B visas can arguably act as a de facto quantitative limitation, as it deters applicants, effectively capping the number of natural persons who can access the American market. This, in spirit, violates GATS’ emphasis on progressive trade liberalisation. This, along with other immigration restriction measures, can be viewed as actions nullifying or impairing expected benefits under Article XXIII (non-violation complaints) of GATS.</p><p>Visa fees inherently discriminate against foreign nationals, potentially breaching national treatment principles, particularly if fees are arbitrary or disproportionately high compared to the cost of processing visas for domestic or other categories of workers.</p><h2>But what are the challenges in pursuing a legal case on visa restrictions and high fees?</h2><p>Mode 4 annexes and provisions explicitly permit WTO members to regulate the entry and stay of natural persons for public order, security, or administrative reasons. The US is likely to invoke these exceptions under Article XIV, arguing immigration sovereignty and administrative cost recovery. However, in the case of H-1B visa fees, the American rationale is to bring jobs back to US citizens, not because visa holders are a threat to public order or security. In simple terms, it is a matter of economic protectionism.</p><p>The US’s Mode 4 commitments are limited and selective, covering specific categories such as intra-company transferees and certain professionals. Many sectors remain “unbound.” Therefore, it is quite possible for the US to argue that the visa fee changes fall outside its commitments and may be beyond WTO scrutiny.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-doctors-not-pay-100-000-fee-on-h-1b-visas-report-claims-case-by-case-exemptions-1758561658463">Will doctors not pay $100,000 fee on H-1B visas? Report claims ‘case-by-case exemptions’</a></p><h2>How it could set a precedent if India sues the US at the WTO under Mode 4</h2><p>That said, a WTO dispute initiated by India against the US over visa fee hikes could set a precedent. If India proceeds, it would be the first-ever case focusing explicitly on visa fees under Mode 4. It could compel the WTO to clarify its role in regulating the balance between immigration control and trade commitments on services, and address artificial barriers to trade.</p><p>Such a case, if it materialises, would affirm that negative-effect immigration rules constitute non-tariff barriers. It would prompt a determination as to whether such measures are subject to WTO disciplines, particularly when they impair trade commitments—especially for developing countries like India that are dependent on Mode 4 exports.</p><h2>Practical considerations of a case against the US by India over immigration restrictions</h2><p>While the argument that visa fee hikes constitute trade barriers violating GATS commitments is legally sound, it would face significant hurdles. For example, proving that visa fees exceed legitimate immigration control and amount to disguised protectionism would be challenging.</p><p>WTO members generally enjoy broad flexibilities and exceptions regarding immigration, as it is a politically sensitive subject involving national sovereignty and domestic rule-making. Navigating this political sensitivity in an untested legal space would be a challenge for India.</p><p>As noted, the US has only limited Mode 4 commitments. The key question is whether a WTO dispute panel would defer to sovereign immigration policy, or adopt an objective view based on how such measures affect agreed trade principles under Mode 4.</p><p>Also read: <a href="UK to scrap visa fee after Trump’s $100,000 hike for H-1B? Report claims Starmer considering reform">UK to scrap visa fee after Trump’s $100,000 hike for H-1B? Report claims Starmer considering reform</a></p><h2>India has a strong legal foundation for pursuing a case at the WTO over visa fee hikes, despite the challenges involved</h2><p>It is legally sound for India to argue that sudden visa fee hikes and immigration reforms affecting Indian professionals amount to restricting market access and discriminating against foreign service providers. A WTO panel ruling in India’s favour would set a landmark precedent, making clear that WTO members cannot use protectionist immigration policies or excessive visa fees to bypass their trade commitments. It could strengthen the enforceability of Mode 4 and advance fairer global trade in services.</p><p>If pursued, this case would not only address a critical trade barrier impacting India’s service exports, but also clarify the relationship between immigration regulations and international trade law under the WTO framework.&nbsp;</p><p>But will India bite the bullet on this? That’s a 100,000 dollar question.<br>&nbsp;</p>

In theory at least, it is possible for India to approach the WTO over the arbitrary $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike by the US. Such a case has never happened, but would fall under GATS Mode 4 that deals with transnational movement of people. But will India make such a move?



The Trump administration has proposed a hike in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 in a sudden, arbitrary and confusing move that primarily targets Indian high-tech professionals. This constitutes a non-tariff barrier to market access and reflects a form of US trade protectionism. Both the US and India are signatories to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), a key framework under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Mode 4 of GATS deals with the ‘movement of natural persons’. India has been a long-standing advocate of Mode 4, which is crucial to its strength in global trade in services. No country has ever legally challenged another under the WTO specifically over Mode 4. If India were to do so against the US, it would be a world first. But will it? What is the legal argument? What are the pros and cons of a potential India–US dispute at the WTO over arbitrary visa regulations? Let's break it down. Why Mode 4 of WTO on movement of natural persons is important for India India is one of the largest exporters of services globally, for which it heavily relies on the temporary movement of natural persons. Mode 4 under the WTO’s GATS ensures this cross-border trade in services, especially in IT, consulting, and professional sectors. The US is a key destination for such movement of people, offering visa categories such as H-1B and L-1, which broadly correspond to its Mode 4 commitments under GATS. An arbitrary and disproportionate increase in visa fees, such as the proposed hike to $100,000 for H-1B visas, would in effect restrict access of the Indian IT industry to the US market, severely impacting Indian service providers and other foreign service suppliers. Also read: Do you have H-1B visa? US official says Indians DON’T NEED to rush. Here’s why Legal basis under WTO/GATS on the movement of persons as part of trade Under Article XVI, which deals with market access, and Article XVII, which deals with national treatment, GATS prevents WTO members from imposing measures that nullify or impair the commitments made on trade in services, including those related to Mode 4. The US is committed to allowing temporary entry for specific categories of natural persons. However, the arbitrary rise in visa fees and harsh immigration regulations targeting specific countries would make entry into the US prohibitively expensive or impossible for Indian professionals and other service suppliers. This can be construed as quantitative restrictions or non-tariff barriers that violate WTO provisions. Visa fees are not explicitly regulated by GATS, but they are an essential part of immigration and market access conditions. Excessive or arbitrary fee hikes constitute non-tariff barriers by effectively restricting the entry of service providers, undermining the principles of reasonable, transparent, and non-discriminatory access enshrined in WTO commitments. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-floats-k-visa-amid-trump-s-h1-b-chaos-1758559833186/embed US visa fee hikes as de facto quantitative restrictions on trade A visa fee hike of an extreme magnitude like the $100,000 for H-1B visas can arguably act as a de facto quantitative limitation, as it deters applicants, effectively capping the number of natural persons who can access the American market. This, in spirit, violates GATS’ emphasis on progressive trade liberalisation. This, along with other immigration restriction measures, can be viewed as actions nullifying or impairing expected benefits under Article XXIII (non-violation complaints) of GATS. Visa fees inherently discriminate against foreign nationals, potentially breaching national treatment principles, particularly if fees are arbitrary or disproportionately high compared to the cost of processing visas for domestic or other categories of workers. But what are the challenges in pursuing a legal case on visa restrictions and high fees? Mode 4 annexes and provisions explicitly permit WTO members to regulate the entry and stay of natural persons for public order, security, or administrative reasons. The US is likely to invoke these exceptions under Article XIV, arguing immigration sovereignty and administrative cost recovery. However, in the case of H-1B visa fees, the American rationale is to bring jobs back to US citizens, not because visa holders are a threat to public order or security. In simple terms, it is a matter of economic protectionism. The US’s Mode 4 commitments are limited and selective, covering specific categories such as intra-company transferees and certain professionals. Many sectors remain “unbound.” Therefore, it is quite possible for the US to argue that the visa fee changes fall outside its commitments and may be beyond WTO scrutiny. Also read: Will doctors not pay $100,000 fee on H-1B visas? Report claims ‘case-by-case exemptions’ How it could set a precedent if India sues the US at the WTO under Mode 4 That said, a WTO dispute initiated by India against the US over visa fee hikes could set a precedent. If India proceeds, it would be the first-ever case focusing explicitly on visa fees under Mode 4. It could compel the WTO to clarify its role in regulating the balance between immigration control and trade commitments on services, and address artificial barriers to trade. Such a case, if it materialises, would affirm that negative-effect immigration rules constitute non-tariff barriers. It would prompt a determination as to whether such measures are subject to WTO disciplines, particularly when they impair trade commitments—especially for developing countries like India that are dependent on Mode 4 exports. Practical considerations of a case against the US by India over immigration restrictions While the argument that visa fee hikes constitute trade barriers violating GATS commitments is legally sound, it would face significant hurdles. For example, proving that visa fees exceed legitimate immigration control and amount to disguised protectionism would be challenging. WTO members generally enjoy broad flexibilities and exceptions regarding immigration, as it is a politically sensitive subject involving national sovereignty and domestic rule-making. Navigating this political sensitivity in an untested legal space would be a challenge for India. As noted, the US has only limited Mode 4 commitments. The key question is whether a WTO dispute panel would defer to sovereign immigration policy, or adopt an objective view based on how such measures affect agreed trade principles under Mode 4. Also read: UK to scrap visa fee after Trump’s $100,000 hike for H-1B? Report claims Starmer considering reform India has a strong legal foundation for pursuing a case at the WTO over visa fee hikes, despite the challenges involved It is legally sound for India to argue that sudden visa fee hikes and immigration reforms affecting Indian professionals amount to restricting market access and discriminating against foreign service providers. A WTO panel ruling in India’s favour would set a landmark precedent, making clear that WTO members cannot use protectionist immigration policies or excessive visa fees to bypass their trade commitments. It could strengthen the enforceability of Mode 4 and advance fairer global trade in services. If pursued, this case would not only address a critical trade barrier impacting India’s service exports, but also clarify the relationship between immigration regulations and international trade law under the WTO framework. But will India bite the bullet on this? That’s a 100,000 dollar question.

<p>In theory at least, it is possible for India to approach the WTO over the arbitrary $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike by the US. Such a case has never happened, but would fall under GATS Mode 4 that deals with transnational movement of people. But will India make such a move?</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

H1-B visa fee hike is a trade barrier: Legal argument for India to sue the US at the WTO in a world-first under Mode 4 of GATS

<p>Indians, Pakistanis and Nigerians could face new visa restrictions if their governments refuse or delay taking back illegal migrants from Britain, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned. The newly appointed British Home Secretary, as per reports, has expressed her readiness to risk diplomatic tensions as she outlined plans to suspend or cap visas for countries that do not "play ball" with her push to step up deportations. The move marks a shift to what officials called a more "transactional" use of the visa system, escalating from quotas to outright bans if countries refuse cooperation.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Why has the UK hardened its stance against immigrants?</strong></h2><p>US President Donald Trump's Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem's presence in the UK may have something to do with it. Mahmood announced the policy while hosting Noem, who has overseen the US's mass deportation drive.</p><p>The warning comes after the Five Eyes intelligence alliance — UK, US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand — agreed on new principles to pressure countries into taking back their citizens.</p><p>The Times, citing UK officials, stated that India, Pakistan, and Nigeria are among the most resistant nations, unwilling to take back their immigrants who have overstayed their welcome in the UK.</p><h2><strong>How many Indians could be affected by this?</strong></h2><p>According to the report, India tops the list of visa overstayers, with 20,706 Indians failing to leave in the year to 2020, while Pakistan has refused to accept several foreign criminals, including Qari Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan, the dual British-Pakistani dual-citizenship ringleaders of the Rochdale grooming gang who renounced their Pakistani citizenship. Nigeria also features high on the overstayer list.</p><p>Migration experts, however, have warned that the move could strain relations with key partners like India. Talking to the publication, Dr Peter Walsh of Oxford University's Migration Observatory said India in particular "dim view of bargaining tactics that involve these kinds of threats". He pointed out that "We have a long relationship with India and they have lobbied the UK government fairly consistently for privileged access to our visa system, and they are one of the biggest users of it."</p><p>In 2021, India and UK signed a returns deal. Last year, in 2024, India took back 7,395 citizens — more than any other nationality — but this, as per the report, could be because Indians happen to be the largest foreign population without the right to live in the UK. Officials also complain that Delhi remains slow to issue emergency travel documents for deportees without passports. This is made necessary by the fact that people often destroy their passports to prevent or delay their return to their home country.</p><p>Mahmood, in her first public comments as home secretary, pledged to be a "whatever it takes" minister and warned senior Home Office staff to "bring their A-game — or leave". She also promised to go "further and faster" than her predecessor, Yvette Cooper, on tackling migrant crossings, which hit a record 30,165 this year, up 37 per cent.</p>

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned India and other nations that they could face new visa restrictions if their governments refuse to take back illegal migrants. Here's all you need to know.

Indians, Pakistanis and Nigerians could face new visa restrictions if their governments refuse or delay taking back illegal migrants from Britain, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned. The newly appointed British Home Secretary, as per reports, has expressed her readiness to risk diplomatic tensions as she outlined plans to suspend or cap visas for countries that do not "play ball" with her push to step up deportations. The move marks a shift to what officials called a more "transactional" use of the visa system, escalating from quotas to outright bans if countries refuse cooperation. Why has the UK hardened its stance against immigrants? US President Donald Trump's Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem's presence in the UK may have something to do with it. Mahmood announced the policy while hosting Noem, who has overseen the US's mass deportation drive. The warning comes after the Five Eyes intelligence alliance — UK, US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand — agreed on new principles to pressure countries into taking back their citizens. The Times, citing UK officials, stated that India, Pakistan, and Nigeria are among the most resistant nations, unwilling to take back their immigrants who have overstayed their welcome in the UK. How many Indians could be affected by this? According to the report, India tops the list of visa overstayers, with 20,706 Indians failing to leave in the year to 2020, while Pakistan has refused to accept several foreign criminals, including Qari Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan, the dual British-Pakistani dual-citizenship ringleaders of the Rochdale grooming gang who renounced their Pakistani citizenship. Nigeria also features high on the overstayer list. Migration experts, however, have warned that the move could strain relations with key partners like India. Talking to the publication, Dr Peter Walsh of Oxford University's Migration Observatory said India in particular "dim view of bargaining tactics that involve these kinds of threats". He pointed out that "We have a long relationship with India and they have lobbied the UK government fairly consistently for privileged access to our visa system, and they are one of the biggest users of it." In 2021, India and UK signed a returns deal. Last year, in 2024, India took back 7,395 citizens — more than any other nationality — but this, as per the report, could be because Indians happen to be the largest foreign population without the right to live in the UK. Officials also complain that Delhi remains slow to issue emergency travel documents for deportees without passports. This is made necessary by the fact that people often destroy their passports to prevent or delay their return to their home country. Mahmood, in her first public comments as home secretary, pledged to be a "whatever it takes" minister and warned senior Home Office staff to "bring their A-game — or leave". She also promised to go "further and faster" than her predecessor, Yvette Cooper, on tackling migrant crossings, which hit a record 30,165 this year, up 37 per cent.

<p>UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned India and other nations that they could face new visa restrictions if their governments refuse to take back illegal migrants. Here's all you need to know.</p>

Over 20,000 Indians in Britain at risk as UK’s new Home Secretary targets India in migrant crackdown plan

<p>India has decided to resume its visa services to Canadians, weeks after temporarily closing down the services in the wake of tensions between both countries over the row on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.</p>

<p>The Indian High Commission in Ottawa on Wednesday in a press statement said that they are resuming some visa services with effect from October 26.</p>

<p>“After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services," it said.</p>

<p>"Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation," it added.</p>

<p>India will resume visa services for entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa, the High Commission said.</p>

<p>The development came after Canada withdrew 41 of its envoys on the request of the Indian government, which had sought parity in the presence of diplomats.</p>

<h2><strong>Jaishankar wanted assurances from Canada to restart services&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that they would "very much to resume the issuing of visas" provided Indian envoys are provided safety in Canada as per the Vienna Convention.</p>

<p>"If we see progress in the safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>He also brushed aside the statements by the US and the UK over making Canada withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats, both of whom claimed that it falls contrary to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.</p>

<p>“Parity (between the diplomatic presence of the two countries in each other’s capitals) is very much provided for by the Vienna Convention, which is the relevant international rule on this. In our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” Jaishankar said while speaking at an event in New Delhi on Sunday.</p>

<p>“The relationship right now is going through a difficult phase. But I do want to say, you know, the problems we have are with a certain segment of Canadian politics and the policies, which flow from that,” said the external affairs minister, replying to a question on the Canada-India diplomatic row. &nbsp;“So, I want people to understand the extent of the issue.</p>

<h2><strong>India and Canada visa row&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>India stopped issuing new visas to Canadians on September 21 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had "credible" inputs about the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjar's murder.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-spy-vessel-shin-yan-6-docks-at-colombo-port-amidst-indias-security-concerns-651161">Chinese vessel Shin Yan 6 docks at Colombo Port amidst India’s concerns</a></p>

<p>New Delhi categorically denied the claims made by Trudeau, calling them "absurd" and "motivated".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncert-recommends-replacing-india-with-bharat-and-highlighting-hindu-victories-in-textbooks-651136">NCERT panel recommends replacing 'India' with 'Bharat' in textbooks</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;“We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>


India has decided to resume its visa services to Canadians, weeks after temporarily closing down the services in the wake of tensions between both countries over the row on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India has decided to resume its visa services to Canadians, weeks after temporarily closing down the services in the wake of tensions between both countries over the row on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa on Wednesday in a press statement said that they are resuming some visa services with effect from October 26. “After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services," it said. "Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation," it added. India will resume visa services for entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa, the High Commission said. The development came after Canada withdrew 41 of its envoys on the request of the Indian government, which had sought parity in the presence of diplomats. Jaishankar wanted assurances from Canada to restart services On Sunday, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that they would "very much to resume the issuing of visas" provided Indian envoys are provided safety in Canada as per the Vienna Convention. "If we see progress in the safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there," Jaishankar said. He also brushed aside the statements by the US and the UK over making Canada withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats, both of whom claimed that it falls contrary to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. “Parity (between the diplomatic presence of the two countries in each other’s capitals) is very much provided for by the Vienna Convention, which is the relevant international rule on this. In our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” Jaishankar said while speaking at an event in New Delhi on Sunday. “The relationship right now is going through a difficult phase. But I do want to say, you know, the problems we have are with a certain segment of Canadian politics and the policies, which flow from that,” said the external affairs minister, replying to a question on the Canada-India diplomatic row. “So, I want people to understand the extent of the issue. India and Canada visa row India stopped issuing new visas to Canadians on September 21 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had "credible" inputs about the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjar's murder. Also read | Chinese vessel Shin Yan 6 docks at Colombo Port amidst India’s concerns New Delhi categorically denied the claims made by Trudeau, calling them "absurd" and "motivated". Also read | NCERT panel recommends replacing 'India' with 'Bharat' in textbooks “We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

India decides to resume some visa services for Canadians

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4ce80d2-a03a-406e-b52a-26450a1de2f3}{77}" paraid="496975696" >The Saudi embassy in India announced on Thursday that Indians will no longer require a police clearance certificate while travelling to Saudi Arabia. Earlier, the PCC was a necessity while applying for a visa but the embassy tweeted that the government will remove the requirement "in view of the strong relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{52bb7170-2c1a-473c-924e-32e6f0474253}{219}" paraid="829905563" >"In view of the strong relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India, the Kingdom has decided to exempt the Indian nationals from submitting a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)," the Saudi embassy in India posted on the social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{52bb7170-2c1a-473c-924e-32e6f0474253}{219}" paraid="829905563" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeremy-hunt-to-unveil-uk-autumn-budget-today-after-liz-truss-failed-experiment-534990">Jeremy Hunt's UK autumn budget extends windfall tax on power generators</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ac749d04-30ed-49b5-a63b-2297d375ba45}{232}" paraid="1923287956" >"...The embassy appreciates the contribution of over two million Indian citizens living peacefully in the kingdom," the embassy added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ac749d04-30ed-49b5-a63b-2297d375ba45}{224}" paraid="775452679" >Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to host Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for a round of meetings in November but the visit was cancelled due to scheduling issues with the COP27 summit and G20 conferences happening simultaneously. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewsAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewsAlert</a> | Saudi Arabia exempts Indian nationals from submitting Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to obtain visa for traveling to the kingdom <a href="https://t.co/X9b4vtqHRs">pic.twitter.com/X9b4vtqHRs</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1593227045969874945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The change in rules is expected to accelerate the visa process for Indians and will also make life easier for several applicants. With one less document to submit, the visa centers will also be able to take faster decisions enabling visitors to plan their trips to Saudi Arabia better.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Saudi embassy in India announced on Thursday that Indians will no longer require a police clearance certificate while travelling to Saudi Arabia. Earlier, the PCC was a necessity while applying for a visa but the embassy tweeted that the government will remove the requirement "in view of the strong relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India.

The Saudi embassy in India announced on Thursday that Indians will no longer require a police clearance certificate while travelling to Saudi Arabia. Earlier, the PCC was a necessity while applying for a visa but the embassy tweeted that the government will remove the requirement "in view of the strong relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India." "In view of the strong relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India, the Kingdom has decided to exempt the Indian nationals from submitting a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)," the Saudi embassy in India posted on the social media platform. Also read | Jeremy Hunt's UK autumn budget extends windfall tax on power generators "...The embassy appreciates the contribution of over two million Indian citizens living peacefully in the kingdom," the embassy added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to host Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for a round of meetings in November but the visit was cancelled due to scheduling issues with the COP27 summit and G20 conferences happening simultaneously. #NewsAlert | Saudi Arabia exempts Indian nationals from submitting Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to obtain visa for traveling to the kingdom pic.twitter.com/X9b4vtqHRs — WION (@WIONews) November 17, 2022 × The change in rules is expected to accelerate the visa process for Indians and will also make life easier for several applicants. With one less document to submit, the visa centers will also be able to take faster decisions enabling visitors to plan their trips to Saudi Arabia better.

Indian nationals no longer need Police Clearance Certificate for Saudi visa

India's ministry of health and family welfare said that all existing visas except diplomatic, official including that of UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stands suspended till April 15 due to coronavirus.

India Imposes visa curbs until April 15

india-visa

India Visa, News on India Visa, stories on India Visa, articles on India Visa, India Visa stories at Wion, India Visa news, India Visa latest news

india visa

India revises immigration rules for foreigners, mandates registration for stays beyond 180 days

UK professor Francesca Orsini deported from Delhi airport: Here's why

H1-B visa fee hike: India can sue the US at the WTO in a world-first. Will it?

Over 20k at risk as UK’s new Home Secretary targets India in migrant crackdown

India decides to resume some visa services for Canadians

Indian nationals no longer need Police Clearance Certificate for Saudi visa

India Imposes visa curbs until April 15