The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for liberalization, simplification and rationalization of the existing visa regime in India, and incremental changes in the visa policy decided by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with various stakeholders and with approval of the Home Minister, a release by the Government said.
The approval will facilitate entry of foreigners for tourism, business and medical purposes. This is expected to stimulate economic growth, increase earnings from export of services like tourism, medical value travel and travel on account of business and to make ‘Skill India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Make in India’ and other such flagship initiatives of the Government successful. This will also considerably ease the travel of foreigners to India for the above-mentioned legitimate purposes.
As per media reports, the Cabinet also given the nod to extend the e-TV to 8 countries more, taking the total number of countries eligible for Electronic Tourist Visa to 158. Moreover, E-visa will now have a validity of 60 days and can be applied for by foreign nationals up to four months ahead of the visit. The e-visa scheme will be extended to 8 more countries, taking the total number of nations that enjoy the facility to 158, it said.
