Archive February 2024

Great news! Dubai introduces a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indians! That means if you're from India and you want to visit Dubai, you're in luck!

This special visa allows Indian people to visit Dubai multiple times over five whole years! Isn't that amazing?

Here's how it works: Indian nationals can now go to Dubai and stay for up to 90 days each time they visit. And guess what's even cooler? If they want to stay a bit longer, they can extend their visit for another 90 days, but they can't stay for more than 180 days in a year.

And get this – if you're an Indian wanting to visit Dubai, you can apply for this visa, and they'll process your application in just two to five days! That means you can start planning your trip real soon after you apply.

But wait, there are some things you need to make sure of before applying. You need to have some money in your bank account, and you also need to have health insurance that works in Dubai.

This special visa isn't just for tourists. It's also meant to help make friends between India and Dubai even stronger! Dubai really wants people from India to come and visit, and they're making it easier than ever before.

So, if you're dreaming of visiting Dubai and seeing all its amazing sights like the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, or the beautiful beaches, now's your chance! Who knows, maybe one day you'll get to visit Dubai with your family and friends and make unforgettable memories!

Imagine wandering through the bustling streets of Dubai, tasting delicious foods, and experiencing the vibrant culture. With this new visa, you can explore famous landmarks like the Dubai Mall, where you can shop till you drop or visit the incredible Dubai Aquarium.

But Dubai isn't just about shopping and sightseeing. It's also a place where people from all over the world come together to work and create amazing things. From towering skyscrapers to innovative technology, Dubai is a hub of excitement and opportunity.

And don't forget about the stunning beaches! Imagine relaxing on the soft sand, soaking up the warm sun, and taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. It's the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Dubai today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! With the new 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, the possibilities are endless. Dubai is calling – are you ready to answer?

Indian students planning to relocate to English-speaking countries may need to reconsider their plans, as both the UK and Canada have revised their admission rules for universities.

In December 2023, the Canadian government issued updated requirements aimed at enhancing the protection of international students. Among these changes, the most significant was the increase in the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) amount from 10,000 Canadian dollars (approximately Rs 6.15 lakh) to over double the amount at 20,635 Canadian dollars (close to Rs 12.7 lakh). Additionally, Germany and Australia have also implemented gradual increases in the GIC amount by 10% annually.

As of May 2023, a minimum deposit of €11,208 is necessary when applying for a German study visa, according to the German Federal Foreign Office.

Let’s examine the visa alterations in other countries:

US: According to the US embassy in India, F, M, and J visa applicants must ensure the accuracy of their passport information during profile creation and visa scheduling. Failure to do so will result in appointment cancellations at visa centers.

Canada: Designated learning institutes (DLI) are now required to directly verify every applicant’s letter of acceptance with IRCC to combat acceptance fraud. This process aims to safeguard students and ensure that only those with genuine letters obtain study permits. Furthermore, Canada will review the criteria for post-graduation work permits. Moreover, the minimum cost of living requirements for students will increase from 10,000 to 20,635 Canadian dollars, effective January 1, 2024.

UK: The UK Visas and Immigration department has introduced significant changes, including modifications in fees. UK visa fees have risen from £363 to £490, marking a 35% increase. Additionally, revisions have been made to the Immigration Health Surcharge, which has increased from £264 to £1,035. Moreover, the UK has announced restrictions on international students from bringing dependent family members with them starting in 2024. The US sees over 7.50 lakh annual student arrivals.

Australia: Australia has raised the score requirement for a Test Graduate visa from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, and for a student visa, from 5.5 to 6.0. International students must have savings of $24,505 as evidence to be eligible for a visa. Additionally, a two-year extension of post-study work rights is available for international graduates with select degrees in areas of verified skill shortage.

France: France has extended its post-study work visas for five years for master’s degree graduates. Moreover, those who have spent a semester studying in France for master’s degrees can now avail themselves of a five-year short-stay Schengen visa to explore job opportunities.

Ireland: International graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees are allowed to stay for two years on a post-study work visa in Ireland. PhD students can stay in the country for up to three years.

Italy: In Italy, students can stay even after completing their graduation for 12 months. Approximately 5,897 Indian students were in Italy in 2022 on study visas. The country also provides enhanced post-study internships and extracurricular internships, along with training to improve students’ experiences.

New Zealand: New Zealand has introduced the IELTS One Skill Retake option, providing students with flexibility to retake any of the four skills if needed.

Japan is set to launch its digital nomad visa program by late March, potentially opening its doors to remote workers from around the globe.

The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) of Japan has confirmed plans to offer six-month visas to digital nomads earning ¥10 million ($68,300) or more.

Under the program, citizens from 49 countries can apply for visas under the "specified activities" category, including those with agreements abolishing short-term visa requirements, such as Singapore and Australia.

The six-month duration was chosen based on feedback from digital nomads, who expressed a preference for longer stays, as reported by the Japan Times.

The digital nomad visa permits individuals to work remotely for companies outside Japan while residing in the country.

Applicants must also have health insurance and spouses and children are allowed to accompany them. However, holders of the visa won't receive a residence card or certificate, nor can they access certain government benefits. The visa is not renewable, requiring reapplication six months after leaving Japan.

Japan joins over 50 countries worldwide offering digital nomad visas, each with varying rules and conditions.

In a bid to address labor shortages, Japan has expanded its Specified Skilled Worker No.1 visa to include roles in transportation and forestry, among others. This move aims to attract more international workers to fill gaps in key industries.

Iran's government has introduced a visa-free travel policy for Indian tourists arriving in the country by air and staying for a maximum of 15 days.

As per an announcement from the Iranian embassy in India on Tuesday, the Iranian government has waived visas for Indian citizens effective February 4, with certain conditions attached.

Under the new regulations, Indian passport holders can enter Iran without a visa once every six months, with a stay duration capped at 15 days.

The visa exemption specifically pertains to Indian nationals arriving in Iran by air and applies solely to those visiting for tourism purposes. Individuals desiring extended stays, multiple entries within six months, or other forms of authorization must secure the requisite visas from Iranian missions in India.

In December of the preceding year, Iran had declared its decision to eliminate visa requirements for Indian nationals and citizens of 32 other countries, including Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, and Belarus.

This initiative, as stated by Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iran's minister of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts, aims to invigorate tourism by attracting more visitors worldwide. It also serves to demonstrate Iran's dedication to global engagement, aiming to dispel negative perceptions and rumors while countering the phenomenon of 'Iranophobia' perpetuated by global power structures.

Recent statistics indicate a notable surge in tourism to Iran, with the total number of tourists reaching 4.4 million during the first eight months of the current Iranian year, marking a 48.5% increase compared to the corresponding period last year. Previously, Iran had lifted visa requirements for citizens of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.

Furthermore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam have also waived visa requirements for Indian citizens in recent months. Presently, 27 countries extend visa-free entry to Indians.

Noteworthy destinations allowing visa-free entry for Indian citizens include Barbados, Bhutan, Dominica, Haiti, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Samoa, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.

In summary, the visa-free travel provision for Indian citizens to Iran encompasses:

• Entry without a visa once every six months for up to 15 days for those with ordinary passports.
• The visa exemption is exclusively for tourism purposes.
• Individuals seeking extended stays or multiple entries must obtain the necessary visas.
• The visa waiver applies to Indian nationals entering Iran by air.