Visa Relaxation
Visa relaxation shot in the arm after Bangladesh medical tourists dipped
Between April and September 2024-25, major players reported an almost 25-40 per cent decline in medical tourist flow from Bangladesh
 "Visa relaxation shot in the arm after Bangladesh medical tourists dipped")
VFS Global renews pact with Norway to offer visa, residence permit services
VFS Global on Friday said it has renewed contract with the Norway government to provide services related to visa and residence permit applications for the northern European country in India and abroad. As per the agreement, VFS Global will continue to operate on behalf of the Norway government in all regions worldwide -- Americas, Australasia, China and Hong Kong, Europe and CIS, India, Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Belarus and Armenia, and South Asia, the company said in a statement. VFS Global has worked with the Norway government since 2014 and handled nearly 1.5 million applications on its behalf. "We are delighted that we will continue to serve the Norway government as their sole service provider. We have enjoyed a strong partnership and welcome the opportunity to renew our services in the existing locations where we operate. "We look forward to offering best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process across all regions globally with an annual estimate
 "VFS Global renews pact with Norway to offer visa, residence permit services")
Discussed pendency of Australian visa applications: Dharmendra Pradhan
The pendency of Australian visa applications from Indians has been discussed again at a bilateral forum, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Thursday. The minister discussed the issue with his Australian counterpart Jason Clare, who is on a visit to India till March 5. "After the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa process for students and the workforce had significantly slowed down. Last year, the Australian government assured us to add more manpower and enhance the ease of the process," Pradhan told reporters on the sidelines of an event here. "The pendency of four lakh visa applications from Indians has been reduced in the last five months. Still a sizeable number is pending. The issue was again discussed at the bilateral forum when we spoke of student mobility," he added. Clare is leading a delegation of Australian higher education leaders to promote institutional partnerships and boost the collaboration between the two countries. His visit builds on Pradhan's trip to
 "Discussed pendency of Australian visa applications: Dharmendra Pradhan")
Germany announces relaxation in its Schengen visa rules for Indians
The embassy made it clear that the relaxations do not apply to applications for national visa (D-visa category) such as student, employment or family reunion visas
 "Germany announces relaxation in its Schengen visa rules for Indians")
New rule for UAE visa system comes into effect: Here's what changes
In a major revamp in the UAE's immigration laws, the Middle-eastern nation's new visa system came into effect on October 3
 "New rule for UAE visa system comes into effect: Here's what changes")
Visa barriers to go for US to grow trade in edu services with India: USISPF
The bilateral trade in education services between India and the US could record exponential growth if Washington removes barriers like visa and entry restrictions
 "Visa barriers to go for US to grow trade in edu services with India: USISPF")
Indian students to benefit from relaxed Canadian visa procedures
According to reports, the new program will cut down the processing time for study permits to within 45 days from within 60 days
 "Indian students to benefit from relaxed Canadian visa procedures")
