NEW DELHI: In a bid to reduce visa processing time from five months to just 30 days, the Indian government is collaborating with the Home and External Affairs ministries to streamline the visa process for Chinese technicians. This initiative aims to address complaints from businesses about delays impacting India's goal to become a manufacturing hub.
The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is developing a framework to expedite visas for engineers and technicians required to install Chinese machinery in Indian factories. This information was shared with Bloomberg by sources who requested anonymity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government introduced strict measures against China following a deadly border clash in 2020 that severely strained relations. These measures included banning numerous Chinese apps, slowing approvals for Chinese investments and visas, and reducing direct flights between the two countries.
Local media reports indicate that India issued around 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2024, a significant drop from about 200,000 visas issued in 2019 before the pandemic. Discussions are ongoing to address the border crisis, with New Delhi emphasizing that normalizing relations depends on resolving the dispute.
The government is considering reforms to simplify the visa process, enabling all companies in specified sectors that receive government subsidies to apply for business visas for Chinese workers. Currently, only manufacturing firms approved under incentive programs can apply for these visas, while others must navigate complex employment permit procedures that involve extensive paperwork.
India continues to rely heavily on imports from China, particularly machinery needed for manufacturing. Chinese engineers are essential for installing equipment, conducting repairs, and training Indian workers on its use.
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