SGIVS Global begins operations for Indian passport, visa services
All applicants
must
book appointments online at https://sgivsglobal-oman.com.
The company said it plans to open branches in other parts of the country to offer easy access to passport and visa services.
In Oman, SGIVS will offer visa Services (Tourist, Business, Entry, etc.), Indian Passport Services (reissue, new passport), Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) applications, Surrender Certificate Services, attestation services, police clearance Certificate, and apostille services.
Earlier, the Embassy of India in Muscat announced that its Consular, Passport, and Visa services will be handled by SGIVS Global Services, who will establish 11 new dedicated application centres across the Sultanate, including Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Ibri, Sur, Nizwa, Duqm, Ibra, Khasab, Buraimi, and Barka. Full operations at these centres are expected to commence by August 15, 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
13 minutes ago
- Times of Oman
Pharma businesses ready with contingency plans faced with US tariffs: Association of Healthcare Providers (India)
New Delhi: Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers are preparing a two-pronged strategy to offset the impact of the soon-to-be-effective 25 per cent US tariff on Indian goods, which includes drug exports, with industry experts anticipating that the move could significantly raise medicine costs in the American market. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India), has voiced concern over the financial burden the proposed US tariff would impose on both Indian exporters and American consumers. India currently supplies around 47 per cent of the US pharmaceutical market, largely in the form of affordable generics. "If the United States enforces this 25 per cent tariff, the cost of drug delivery in the US will inevitably rise. Our estimates show that American drug prices could increase by 20 to 25 per cent annually -- a burden of nearly USD 6 to USD 7 billion. It's unclear whether the US healthcare system can absorb such an impact," Gyani said. According to its website, the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) , a non-profit organisation, represents the majority of healthcare providers in India. Despite the initial blow to Indian manufacturers, Gyani stated that industry players are already preparing contingency plans. One such measure is ramping up production in US-based and Mexico-based facilities owned by Indian firms, which, according to Gyani, would bypass the tariff restrictions. "The second approach involves a shift in focus from basic generics to value-added combination drugs. These combination drugs, which offer the convenience of two medicines in one, can be priced higher despite having similar production costs," he noted. The goal is to increase the volume and price range of such drugs, thereby maintaining competitiveness even under the new tariff regime. Gyani also suggested that continued diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington could help mitigate the situation. "Negotiations between the two governments are likely to continue, and we may eventually see a reduction or reconsideration of the tariff policy," he said. The executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday has imposed a flat 25 per cent tariff on all goods from India, with no product-level exemptions. The pharmaceutical sector has been a key pillar of India-US trade relations.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Omani Rial strengthens sharply against Indian Rupee amid tariff shock
Muscat: The Omani Rial has surged in value against the Indian Rupee, offering a golden remittance window for Indian expatriates in the Sultanate. Triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian exports, the rupee slumped to a five-month low, pushing the exchange rate past ₹227 per Omani Rial — a level not seen since February. At around 11 a.m. today, Bank Muscat quoted an exchange rate of ₹226.398, while private exchange houses offered as much as ₹226.70. Currency platform showed rates nearing ₹227.68, reflecting high market volatility. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to step in to cushion the fall if the rupee edges closer to its all-time low of ₹87.95 against the U.S. dollar. Many Indian expatriates in Oman, particularly those who receive their salaries at month-end, are rushing to take advantage of the windfall. Santhosh Kumar, a Keralite working with a car parts firm, said, 'I've been saving up for this moment. With the salary just in, I'm sending the money today itself. This is the best rate we've seen in months.' The drop in the rupee's value means expats now receive significantly more in rupee terms for each rial remitted — a boon amid rising living costs and financial obligations back home. In a message to customers, Nixon Baby, General Manager of Joyalukkas Exchange LLC, Oman, noted: 'The Indian Rupee has recently shown a weakening trend… With the current exchange rate favoring the Omani Rial, now is a prudent time to consider sending money back home, as remittance can yield higher value in India.' He added that while the rupee may remain volatile in the short term, analysts expect the phase to be temporary. 'Timing your remittance during such dips is key to maximizing value,' the statement read. The Indian Rupee has recently shown a weakening trend… With the current exchange rate favoring the Omani Rial, now is a prudent time to consider sending money back home, as remittance can yield higher value in India. -Nixon Baby, General Manager of Joyalukkas Exchange - The rupee's decline today was steep, opening at ₹87.69 per dollar and slipping to ₹87.74 before partially recovering. The Indian central bank is widely expected to step in to limit further depreciation, though it may not aggressively defend a fixed level. India's equity markets mirrored the nervousness: the BSE Sensex dropped over 600 points, while the Nifty50 fell 189 points (0.76%), led by export-heavy sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and auto. The pressure is compounded by foreign capital outflows, with $425 million exiting Indian equities and $4.6 million from bonds on July 29 alone. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury yields rose to 4.36%, signaling a flight to safety amid growing trade tensions. As New Delhi studies the implications of Trump's tariff decision, analysts suggest that the current shock may be mitigated if India and the U.S. can reach a trade compromise. Until then, uncertainty is likely to keep the rupee under pressure — a scenario that could continue to benefit Omani remitters in the near term. For now, the currency swing has handed a rare tactical advantage to Indian expats in Oman, many of whom are seizing the moment.
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Substantial cut in tariffs in UK-India trade dea
The leading feature in the recent free trade agreement signed by the United Kingdom and India, during the visit by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK, is the reduction of tariffs on a variety of goods from textiles to cars and furthermore, the deal allows market access for businesses. Talks on the trade agreement had already taken place in early May after three years of stop-start negotiations and both sides have been keen to seal the deal amid a turmoil of tariffs created over the months, by US President Donald Trump. This agreement between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies aims to increase bilateral trade by a further £25.5bn ($34bn) by 2040. It is the UK's biggest trade deal since it left the European Union in 2020. It is also India's biggest strategic partnership with an advanced economy and it could provide a template for a long-desired deal with the EU as well as for talks with other regions. Both sides hailed as historic a deal which will take effect following a ratification process, likely within a year after which firms such as drinks-maker Diageo and car companies such as BMW, Nissan, Aston Martin and Indian (Tata)-owned Jaguar Land Rover could benefit from lower duties. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India speak during a press conference after signing a free trade agreement at Chequers near Aylesbury, England. — Reuters UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there would be huge benefits for both countries, making trade cheaper, quicker and easier. 'We've entered a new global era, and that is one that requires us to step up, not to stand aside, by building deeper partnerships and alliances,' Starmer said in a statement. Modi called the agreement 'a blueprint for shared prosperity', highlighting how Indian goods from textiles to jewellery and seafood would secure better market access. The countries also agreed on a partnership covering areas such as defence and climate, and aim to strengthen co-operation on tackling crime. After spending three hours in talks with Starmer, Modi went to meet King Charles at his Sandringham estate. Under the trade agreement, tariffs on Scotch beverage will drop to 75 per cent from 150 per cent immediately, and slide to 40 per cent over the next decade. Tariffs on drinks such as brandy and rum will be cut to 110 per cent initially and end up at 75 per cent. On cars, India will cut duties to 10 per cent within five years from current level of up to 110 per cent under a quota system that will be gradually liberalised. In return, Indian manufacturers will gain access to the UK market for electric and hybrid vehicles, also under a quota system. Under the deal, 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK will benefit from zero duties, including textiles, and Britain will have reductions on 90 per cent of its tariff lines, with the average tariff UK firms face dropping to 3 per cent from 15 per cent. But the projected boost to the UK economic output, of 4.8bn a year by 2040, is small compared to Britain's gross domestic product of 2.6bn in 2024. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast that UK exports and imports will be about 15 per cent lower in the long run if Britain had stayed in the EU. The UK's Labour government, having been in power now for a year, has launched a reset of ties with the EU to smooth trade friction and won some tariff relief from the United States. The Confederation of Indian Industry called it a 'strong foundation for deeper market access.'
