Immigration

Indian airports are increasing the number of immigration counters to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming festival season. With domestic and international travel expected to rise, authorities aim to reduce wait times, streamline passenger processing, and enhance overall airport efficiency. The expansion is part of a broader initiative to improve airport infrastructure and passenger experience, addressing seasonal congestion challenges.

In a significant policy decision, the Indian government has announced that Hindus and Sikhs who entered the country without valid passports up to 2024 will be permitted to remain legally. This move is expected to benefit thousands of migrants who arrived from neighboring countries due to religious persecution or socio-political instability. The decision reflects a broader effort to provide humanitarian relief and address longstanding citizenship concerns.

In a sweeping policy move, the Trump administration launched an extensive review of approximately 55 million individuals holding various categories of U.S. visas, scrutinizing potential violations that could lead to deportation or legal consequences. The initiative reflects the government’s intensified stance on immigration enforcement, with a focus on rooting out fraud, overstays, and misuse of visa privileges.

In a critical clarification aimed at international travelers and visa applicants, the U.S. Embassy has underscored that security screening procedures do not cease once a visa has been granted. Rather, they form a continuous process designed to uphold national security, which could even result in a visa being revoked before or during travel. This statement serves as a reminder of the United States’ layered approach to border security, balancing open travel with rigorous vetting.

VFS Global’s Education, Trade and Migration (ETM) Services unit has entered into a strategic partnership with Rayad Group, an international immigration and legal consultancy, to provide immigration advisory services in India. This collaboration is designed to streamline access to expert guidance for individuals and businesses navigating increasingly complex global mobility requirements.