The Hindu : National : Modified norms for visa to Chinese nationals

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Friday, Oct 13, 2006
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Modified norms for visa to Chinese nationals

Vinay Kumar

NEW DELHI: The Government has issued modified guidelines for grant of visa to Chinese nationals and extension of their stay in India.

"The objective is to further streamline the visa procedures for obviating the delay in processing of applications for granting or extending Indian visa to Chinese nationals,'' a Home Ministry spokesman said.

The modified guidelines also aim at enhancing the relatively short validity, particularly of business and employment visas, and their subsequent extensions within the contours of the MoU, signed between the two countries on June 23, 2003. Detailed guidelines were then issued in September 2003. The modified guidelines issued on Wednesday will ensure easier movement of genuine business persons, professionals, students and their dependents in India.

Official sources said Home Ministry would now ensure faster clearance and the extension of visas would also be faster. Sources said there was lack of clarity in the process of extension of visas for Chinese nationals which has now been sorted out.

With increased participation of China in infrastructure projects in India, a good number of Chinese businesspersons, engineers and other professionals are visiting India. A direct Delhi-Beijing flight by China Eastern airline and connections to Shanghai by Air India offer easier and convenient air services to and from China, helping in increased visits by tourists and professionals between the two nations.

Earlier this week, Reliance Industries Limited chairman Mukesh Ambani met Mr. Patil and the Home Secretary V.K. Duggal, making out a case for expediting visa clearance for nearly 1,800 Chinese technical executives which the company had hired to lay the pipeline for transporting gas from the Krishna-Godavari basin to Gujarat. The pipeline project has set 2009 as the deadline. In addition to RIL, public sector Gas Authority India Limited has also taken the help of Chinese technicians for laying the pipeline for the Dahej-Uran project in the western region.

The modified guidelines come after the recent opening of Nathu La trade route in Sikkim between India and China with a select number of businessmen from both countries being allowed to participate in the trade mart at the Nathu La pass.

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