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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Immigration wrap: US, Canada, UK, China, Vietnam announce visa changes
The second week of August brought a packed line-up of global immigration and study abroad updates. In Washington, a key White House office cleared proposals to revamp the H-1B visa — a shift that could make it much harder for fresh graduates to land jobs in the US. In Beijing, officials announced a new visa to draw in STEM talent. Meanwhile, in London, hundreds of migrants, including Indians, were arrested, and India was added to the UK's 'deport now, appeal later' criminal list. Back home, Gujarat's Anti-Terrorist Squad busted a Luxembourg visa scam, and in Nebraska, US prosecutors charged five Indian-Americans over sex trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering. India also moved to tighten the rules for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders with criminal records. Here's what changed in the second week of August: 1. 5 Indian-Americans charged in US immigration crimes Five Indian-Americans in Nebraska are accused of running hotels at the centre of sex trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering schemes worth over $565,000 (around ₹5 crore). Kentakumar 'Ken' Chaudhari, 36, Rashmi Ajit 'Falguni' Samani, 42, Amit Prahladbhai 'Amit' Chaudhari, 32, Amit Babubhai 'Matt' Chaudhari, 33, and Maheshkumar 'Mahesh' Chaudhari, 38, allegedly owned and managed multiple hotels linked to these offences. 'The operations generated large illegal proceeds,' said US State Attorney Lesley Woods, adding that investigators seized over half a million dollars in suspected laundering funds. 2. China to launch new STEM visa China has approved plans for the K Visa, aimed at young foreign science and technology professionals. While details are still to come, state broadcaster CCTV says the Talented Young Scientist Programme caps applicants at 45 years old, while the Outstanding Young Scientists (Overseas) Fund Project has a limit of 40. 3. Vietnam rolls out 5-year visa waiver for elite professionals Vietnam's new Special Visa Exemption Card (SVEC) will allow multiple entries for up to five years, starting August 15. Both digital and physical versions will be available, but the scheme is only for professionals whose work can boost Vietnam's socio-economic development. Indians can apply, though it's not open to all passport holders. 4. One in six Indian H-1B workers face early deportation risk A Blind app survey found that one in six Indian H-1B visa holders, or someone they know, has received a Notice to Appear (NTA) well before the usual 60-day grace period ends after a job loss — sometimes in just two weeks. 5. US Visa Bulletin for September 2025 Family-sponsored category stays open for Indians Indian permanent residents can keep filing green card applications for spouses and minor children under the F2A category. Filing date: 1 June 2025; final action date: 1 September 2022. Employment categories risk hitting the limit < The Visa Office warns most employment-based quotas may run out in August or September. 6. Canada changes Express Entry medical exam rules From August 21, 2025, applicants must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before applying for permanent residence. This applies to all family members, even if they're not moving to Canada. What's changing: • Get an IME from an IRCC-approved panel physician before submitting your PR application. • Upload proof of the IME with your application. • Family members must also complete the IME. Possible exemptions: • IME done in the last five years for a work or study permit may be reused if still valid. • Applicants must give their IME number or medical identifier. Read more 7. H-1B visa rule overhaul clears White House review The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has approved proposals to replace the random H-1B lottery with a system ranking applications by the wages offered — reviving an idea from Donald Trump's first term. Read more 8. UK adds India to 'deport now, appeal later' list India is one of 15 new additions to the UK policy allowing certain foreign nationals to be deported before their appeal is heard. 'For far too long, foreign criminals have been exploiting our immigration system,' said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. 'Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system.'
News18
11-08-2025
- Business
- News18
Sebi mulls single window gateway for low risk foreign investors
New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Markets regulator Sebi has proposed introducing a single window access for low risk foreign investors seeking to participate in the Indian securities market, a move aimed at simplifying compliance and enhancing the country's attractiveness as an investment destination. The new framework — Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI), if implemented, would provide easier investment access to low risk foreign investors, enable a unified registration process across multiple investment routes and reduce repeated compliance and documentation for such entities, Sebi said in its consultation paper. The low risk foreign investors identified by Sebi include government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral entities, highly regulated public retail funds, and appropriately regulated insurance companies, as well as pension funds. As of June 30, 2025, India had 11,913 registered FPIs, holding assets worth Rs 80.83 lakh crore and SWAGAT-FIs are estimated to contribute more than 70 per cent of total FPIs' assets under custody as on June 30, 2025. 'SWAGAT-FI framework aims to offer a unified, streamlined and consistent access mechanism for certain categories of foreign investors that are verified to have met specified eligibility criteria. This framework will help reduce regulatory complexity, simplify compliance, and enhance India's attractiveness as an investment destination," Sebi said. Under the framework, the regulator has proposed to 'grant an option to SWAGAT-FIs applying for registration/ already registered as FPIs to also register as FVCI (Foreign venture Capital Investor), without the need for any further documentation". Registration under both FPI and FVCI Regulations will enable SWAGAT-FIs to invest in listed equity instruments and debt securities of Indian companies as FPI, and in unlisted Indian companies engaged in specified sectors and startups as FVCI under respective regulations, it added. To enhance ease of compliance, the regulator has suggested increasing the periodicity for continuance of registration, including payment of fee and review of KYC documentation to 10 years, up from the current three-year or five-year periods. It has been proposed to permit the use of a single demat account for holding all securities acquired as FPI or FVCI or as foreign investor investing in units of investment vehicles, on an optional basis. Further, depositories will tag investments to ensure regulatory supervision. Also, it has been proposed to remove the restriction on aggregate non-resident Indian (NRI), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Resident Indian individuals (RI) contribution in SWAGAT-FIs. At present, aggregate contribution from non-NRI, OCI and Resident Indian individuals (RI) in an FPI is capped at 50 per cent of the total corpus. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sought public comments till August 29 on the proposals. PTI SP SP SHW view comments First Published: August 11, 2025, 14:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India to gift 2000 laptops to school students in Trinidad and Tobago, extends OCI Card facility up to 6th generation: MEA
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 5 (ANI): During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a number of key announcements to boost ties between both nations, including gifting of 2000 laptops to school students and extension of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards facility up to 6th generation of Indian diaspora members Addressing a MEA press briefing, Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra listed the announcements, '..Firstly, extension of OCI Card facility up to 6th generation of Indian diaspora members in this country. As of now, this facility is available up to the 4th generation... This announcement was very enthusiastically received by the Indian diaspora, which constitutes almost 40 to 45% of the population of this country. In the education sector, we have announced the gifting of 2000 laptops to school students in Trinidad & Tobago. India also announced the holding of an artificial limb fitment camp in Trinidad and Tobago, she said. 'As part of India's humanity campaign, India also announced the holding of an artificial limb fitment camp in T&T for 50 days for 800 people. There were two more announcements in the healthcare sector. One was a gift of 20 Hemodialysis units and two sea ambulances to T&T to assist in the provision of health care. We have announced specialised Medical treatment of 10 dignitaries of Trinidad & Tobago at accredited Indian hospitals for an amount of Rs one crore per annum.' She added. PM Modi announced the solarisation of the headquarters of T&T's Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs by providing rooftop photovoltaic solar panels. Enhancing the cultural ties between both nations, PM Modi announced the celebration of Geeta Mahotsav at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in Port of Spain, coinciding with the Geeta Mahotsav celebrations in India. India will also train 10 pundits from Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region in India. 'At the request of the Trinidad & Tobago Government, we have agreed to the training of 10 pundits of T&T and the Caribbean region in India,' Malhotra said. Neen Malhotra also informed about the six Memorandum of Understanding signed between two countries. 'PM Modi held extensive discussions with the leadership of Trinidad & Tobago covering the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship. A total of six MoUs or agreements have been signed between the two countries.' The six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed following delegation-level talks between PM Modi and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain on Friday. The MoUs include an agreement on the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which aims to provide improved access to Indian pharmaceutical products in the Trinidad and Tobago market, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a statement. To strengthen the development corporation partnership between the two countries, an agreement was signed for an Indian grant to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIP). Agreements were also signed to strengthen cooperation in sports, diplomatic training and the re-establishment of two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago. An MoU on the Programme of Cultural Exchanges for the period 2025-2028 was also signed. After concluding his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi embarked on his visit to Argentina for the 3rd leg of his five-nation tour. (ANI)
Hans India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Bihar ki Beti
Port of Spain: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar 'Bihar ki Beti' (daughter of Bihar). Speaking to the Indian community, Modi said: "We are not just connected by blood or surname; we are connected by belonging. India looks out to you and welcomes you. The ancestors of PM Kamla were from Bihar's Buxar. She has also visited the place. People consider her the daughter of Bihar.' 'Bihar's heritage is the pride of India and the world... Bihar has shown the way to the world in various fields for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century also," he added. The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is one of courage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, emphasising that the hardships their ancestors endured could have 'broken even the strongest spirits'. 'They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,' Modi said, calling them messengers of a 'timeless civilisation'. "Navaratra, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chautal and Bhaitak gana continue to thrive here. I can see the warmth of many familiar faces here," he said. 'The community programme in Port of Spain was spectacular. The energy and warmth of the people made it truly unforgettable. Evidently, our cultural bonds shine brightly!' he said in an X post. Around 40% of the people in Trinidad and Tobago are of Indian origin. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, about 556,800 people of Indian descent live there. Out of these, 1,800 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), while the rest are local citizens whose ancestors came from India between 1845 and 1917 as indentured labourers. Even though Trinidad and Tobago is a small country, smaller than Jodhpur in India, the Indian community has played a big role in the country's culture and economy. Indian traditions can still be seen clearly in their food, music, language and religious festivals. Additionally, PM Modi also announced that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards will now be given to the 6th generation of the Indian diaspora living in Trinidad and Tobago. The Prime Minister received a grand welcome in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India actively working on creating comprehensive database of Girmitiya community: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community , documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. While addressing Indian community members in Port of Spain on Thursday (local time), PM Modi noted that the move will also support India's "deep and historic ties" with people in Trinidad and Tobago. He recalled the participation of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas . He said, "This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar honoured us with her presence. At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bargain Prices on Unsold Container Houses in Laguna - Check Them Out! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo "We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well," he added. PM Modi announced that citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, up to the sixth generation, will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing them to live and work in India without restrictions. Live Events "Today, I'm happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago . We aren't just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India welcomes, and India embraces you," PM Modi said. He encouraged the Indian-origin community to visit their ancestral land and deepen their connection with India. "I encourage all of you to visit India more in person, and not just virtually via social media. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys 'Chai' and a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts and Jalebi," he said. He also praised the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago for keeping Indian culture alive. He said, "They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually." "The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence," PM Modi added. PM Modi said that India is the third largest startup hub in the world, and women serve as directors in nearly half of these startups. He stated that India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments. He congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first country in the region to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. "The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India's growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth. Today, India is the third-largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have achieved unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement," he said. "India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a 'good morning' text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling," he added. Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar also addressed the Indian community members. She praised PM Modi's leadership, calling him a "transformational force who has refined governance of India." She stated that PM Modi has modernised India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. PM Modi has shared highlights from the special welcome in Port of Spain on the social media platform X. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Upon his arrival in Port of Spain, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, "May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain."
