The Indian government has taken a significant step to bolster its manufacturing sector by simplifying the visa process for foreign technical experts. On Wednesday, authorities announced a streamlined, digital system for Indian companies to invite engineers and specialists required for critical production activities.
Digital Platform Replaces Cumbersome Process
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched an online module that allows firms to digitally generate sponsorship letters for foreign professionals. This system, which went live on November 29, is designed for the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa). An official described the previous method as "cumbersome and lengthy," confirming that the new platform will drastically reduce processing times.
The initiative is a direct response to delays faced by domestic companies, especially those importing machinery from countries like China, who need timely technical support for installation, training, and quality checks. As of now, 129 sponsorship letters have already been generated through this new, efficient system.
Key Features of the New Visa Regime
The reform is part of a broader overhaul of the business visa framework aimed at improving ease of doing business. A crucial change involves shifting two specific categories of activities from the employment visa to the business visa regime. These are for foreign nationals involved in equipment installation and commissioning under supply contracts, and those receiving fees or royalties from Indian firms.
Furthermore, a new Production Investment Visa (B-4 Visa) sub-category has been created specifically for foreign subject matter experts, engineers, and technical personnel engaged by Indian companies. The existing e-PLI business visa has been discontinued under this new structure.
The facility is available to both companies benefiting from the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and non-PLI firms. To apply, companies must generate digital sponsorship letters via the National Single Window System (NSWS), where the DPIIT launched the dedicated registration module.
Faster Processing and Broader Impact
The new process eliminates several bureaucratic hurdles. The requirement for recommendations from the concerned Line Ministry has been removed. Data auto-population and authentication through established databases like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the GST Network have made approvals instantaneous.
Foreign professionals will use the unique ID from the digitally generated sponsorship letter to apply for their e-visa. The system is integrated with the NSWS via an API, ensuring seamless processing. An official stated that while business visitors were coming to India before, the process is now "much structured" and the time taken to grant visas will be "significantly shorter."
This streamlined visa process is expected to empower Indian manufacturers by ensuring they can quickly access global technical expertise for essential services, thereby accelerating project timelines and enhancing productivity across the industrial landscape.
