India is set to accelerate the visa issuance process for Chinese technicians, aiming to reduce processing times to just 30 days. This initiative involves intensified collaboration with the Home and External Affairs ministries. The recent changes address business concerns that current restrictions hinder India’s ambitions to become a manufacturing hub.
Since the 2020 border clash, India has issued only 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals this year, a stark contrast to nearly 200,000 visas issued in 2019. Currently, only businesses approved under incentive programs can apply for business visas for Chinese workers. Others must navigate a complex employment permit process, often involving extensive paperwork.
A senior executive from an electronics manufacturing company in Noida highlighted that these restrictions are leading to higher costs and blocked investments. The India Cellular and Electronics Association estimates that the border tensions with China have reduced production in the sector by nearly USD 15 billion from 2020-2023, resulting in a loss of 100,000 job opportunities.
The association, which includes members like Apple and its suppliers, as well as Chinese smartphone firms like Oppo and Vivo, emphasized the need for skill transfer, investments, and technology absorption to achieve India’s economic goals. Pankaj Mohindroo of the association noted that government actions against Chinese firms have also deterred Chinese nationals from exploring business opportunities in India.
The Modi government has intensified probes against companies like Xiaomi Corp. and Vivo for alleged tax evasion and money laundering since the border dispute. Mohindroo expressed hope that the visa issue will be resolved in the industry’s best interest.
Source: Visa Guide News
