The government is working on simplifying the Indian business visa application process for companies operating in the 14 sectors covered under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, even if they are not direct beneficiaries of the scheme.  DPIIT Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh that a streamlined process already exists for PLI beneficiaries and efforts are underway to extend this to non-PLI beneficiaries within the same strategic sectors. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.  

“A final decision has not yet been made, but we are moving in that direction. Visa matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Singh added.  The PLI scheme encompasses 14 sectors, including mobile phones, drones, white goods, telecommunications, textiles, automobiles, specialty steel, and pharmaceutical drugs.  

Earlier this week, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal informed the source that the government is expediting visa-related issues to facilitate the entry of technicians to India from any country as needed to ensure the smooth implementation of the PLI scheme.  The industry has been seeking government intervention to resolve visa-processing delays affecting Chinese vendors involved in manufacturing projects. These delays have led to productivity issues in areas such as component manufacturing and machinery installation or repair, particularly under the PLI scheme.  Multiple ministries and government departments, including DPIIT, are working with the Ministry of External Affairs to address visa-related issues for experts and technicians from China.  

(Source: Business Line)