India Reviews Visa Policy for Chinese Nationals Amid Business Delays
Visa Processing for Chinese Technicians to Be Accelerated To cut visa processing time from five months to 30 days, the Indian government is working with the Home and External Affairs ministries to…
Visa Processing for Chinese Technicians to Be Accelerated
To cut visa processing time from five months to 30 days, the Indian government is working with the Home and External Affairs ministries to simplify the application process for Chinese technicians. This move comes in response to business complaints that existing delays are hindering India’s ambitions to establish itself as a major manufacturing center.
The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is formulating a framework to fast-track visas for engineers and technicians needed to set up Chinese-made machinery in Indian factories. Sources familiar with the situation, who spoke to Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity, indicated that these changes are aimed at addressing the impact of visa delays on business operations.
Modi Administration's China Policies Impact Visa Issuance
Following a deadly border clash in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration enacted strict policies against China, which have strained bilateral relations. These actions included banning numerous Chinese apps, delaying approvals for Chinese investments and visas, and reducing direct flights between the two countries. In 2024, India issued about 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals, a significant drop from the approximately 200,000 visas issued in 2019 before the pandemic. Despite ongoing discussions to address the border issues, diplomatic relations remain strained, with New Delhi emphasizing that normalization hinges on resolving the dispute.
Visa Reform Considerations to Boost Manufacturing Sector
The Indian government is exploring reforms to simplify the visa process for Chinese workers as part of efforts to boost the manufacturing sector. Currently, only manufacturing companies under government incentive programs can apply for business visas for Chinese technicians, while other businesses face complex employment permit procedures. The government is considering allowing all firms in specified sectors receiving subsidies to apply for such visas.
Businesses argue that the hardline stance on China is undermining India’s manufacturing ambitions and the substantial subsidies provided to electronics, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries. Prime Minister Modi aims to position India as a viable alternative to China for manufacturing, with companies like Apple Inc. establishing production facilities in the country.
