These 4 Countries Simplify Visa Application Processes for Indian Passport Holders

Visa applications can be a daunting process, often requiring an extensive amount of documentation, time, and effort. However, several countries are now working towards introducing simpler visa application processes for Indian passport holders.

This policy change aims to make the application process more accessible and user-friendly, whether for work or travel.

This article will look at the latest developments in visa application processes for Indian passport holders in four countries, ranging from the UK’s Young Professionals Scheme to Germany’s IT work visa initiative.

1. United Kingdom (UK)

The United Kingdom and India have recently launched a new Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), which allows Indian and British nationals aged between 18 and 30 to apply to live and work in either country for up to two years. The scheme aims to promote cultural exchange, create business opportunities, and strengthen the two countries bilateral relationship.

To apply for a visa under this scheme, applicants must meet certain criteria, including a graduate degree and sufficient funds to support their stay.

The Indian High Commission’s website has been updated with information for applicants, who must pay a fee of 720 pounds.

The application is to be made under the E-1 Visa through the VFS Global visa service provider, indicating the purpose as “application under the India-UK YPS programme”. Each applicant would be required to show funds equivalent to ₹250,000 held for at least 30 days at the time of application submission.

2. United States of America (USA)

The US is also working to make visa application processes for Indian passport holders easier. A US official stated that the country is “committed to getting out of (the) situation” in response to the long wait times for US visas in India. It was announced that the US will begin the visa stamping programme for visa renewals, including H-1 and L-1 visas, later this year.

According to a representative from the Department of State, pilot programmes are in place to expedite domestic visa revalidation in certain categories.

According to the officials, Indian applicants who are travelling for business to another country can apply for a US visa at foreign missions. Citing the example of countries like Thailand and Germany, the official noted: “We’ve also opened up other missions and this is actually unprecedented. We’ve asked other US embassies to take on India visa applicants specifically if they choose to travel there.”

3. Germany

Germany is also keen on making visa application processes easier for Indian passport holders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated during a visit to India in February that his government wants to make it easier for Indian information technology experts to obtain work visas in Germany, as the country faces a skilled labour shortage.

Scholz stated that his government’s priority this year is to improve the legal framework so that Germany becomes more appealing to software developers and those with IT development skills.

“We want to make visa issuance easier,” he told reporters during a visit to Bengaluru, India’s high-tech hub.

4. Russia

Russia is also working to make visa procedures easier for six countries, including India, Syria, and Indonesia, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeny Ivanov, quoted by the state TASS news agency on Sunday.

“In addition to India (procedures simplification) … is being worked out with Angola, Vietnam, Indonesia, Syria and Philippines,” Ivanov said. Earlier, Ivanov said that Russia is also preparing intergovernmental agreements on visa-free trips with 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Barbados, Haiti, Zambia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico and Trinidad.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, countries all over the world are working to make visa applications easier for Indian passport holders. This is a positive step towards strengthening bilateral ties, encouraging cultural exchange, and expanding business opportunities.

With these measures in place, it is expected that more Indian passport holders will be able to travel and work in these countries, boosting trade and tourism and contributing to the development of these countries.