Four different countries have taken significant decisions regarding visas for Indians. These decisions bring both relief and difficulty. The measures offering relief come from China and New Zealand, while the ones posing challenges are from the United States. The fourth decision was taken by Bangladesh. Copying India’s move, Muhammad Yunus’s country has suspended visa services for Indians. Amid rising tensions with India, Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and its mission in Tripura.
China
China has made online visa applications easier, especially for Indians. The new process is simpler than the previous one, which required applicants to submit numerous physical documents. Earlier, the Chinese Embassy in India announced on its official social media platform, WeChat, that the online visa service system would be launched on December 22.
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New Zealand also makes things easier
India and New Zealand’s relationship is strengthening. The two countries have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will significantly enhance work visa and student mobility for Indian citizens. Under this agreement, a new temporary employment entry visa will allow up to 5,000 Indian professionals to live and work in New Zealand at any given time.
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The FTA also includes working holiday visas for up to 12 months for Indians aged 18–30 and allows Indian students to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies.
How will the FTA affect India–New Zealand ties?
- New Zealand will launch easier work visa pathways for Indian professionals in key sectors.
- The agreement strengthens India’s position as a preferred source of skilled workers.
- Indian students will benefit from improved study-to-work transitions and expanded post-study work rights.
- Improved access for youth, professionals, and students.
The FTA is expected to boost education ties, employment opportunities, and bilateral cooperation.
America’s big blow to India
The United States has tightened rules for H-1B visas. It was recently announced that applicants will be subject to social media scrutiny. Furthermore, the US has also canceled interviews for H-1B visas. Appointments for thousands of high-skilled workers were canceled between December 15 and December 26, a period when many H-1B holders typically schedule appointments, which also coincides with the holiday season in the US.
As per The Washington Post, the US State Department said interviews are being delayed following the Trump administration’s new social media screening policy to ensure applicants do not pose a threat to US national security or public safety. It is not yet clear how long it will take for Indian citizens to receive their H-1B visas.
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According to a recent PTI report, the mass cancellation of interviews scheduled for H-1B visa applicants is expected to significantly delay their return to the US. PTI further reported that rescheduling applies to every applicant whose interview was scheduled on or after December 15. These cancellations are being carried out as part of stricter scrutiny by US authorities.
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