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Why FRRO Registration Is Required?

Why FRRO Registration Is Required?

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office Registration (FRRO) is a competent authority that ensures the registration of foreigners with the Indian government. People travel here for a variety of reasons. This authority keeps their track records, verifies their entity, registers their arrival and departure and assesses their motive through different types of visas.

Typically, this authority verifies the request for different visas by foreigners. These all include the following visas:

·         Employment Visa

·         Business Visa

·         Student Visa

·         Entry (X) Visa

·         Research Visa

·         Journalist Visa

·         Medical Visa

·         Return Visa

Why FRRO Registration

This authority keeps an eye on every foreigner who comes here for different purposes. In case of its violation, the foreigner may be penalized with imprisonment and compensation amount. Deporting can also be done in certain cases.

Officially, it maintains their proper record in this manner:

  • Jurisdiction or administration over the place

With the registration of all foreigners, including foreigners of Indian origin, who are on long term student, medical, research or employment visa, it controls over the place where they intend to stay. All foreigners are directed to get registered within 14 days of arrival.

  • Mandates registering as per nationality

There are some regulations here to govern this registration practice as per different countries. All, except for people from Pakistan, are able to get it done within 14 days of arrival here. Pakistani nationals have to hurry up registering within a day or 24 hours since arrival.

  • Verifies Afghans

Although Afghans may also inform about their arrival in 14 days, yet there are few cases that are related to the visa validity for 30 days or less. Such cases are treated exceptionally. They have to share their local address in India with the Indian Mission/ FRRO/ FRO. The visa holding Afghans may have the “exemption from police reporting & exit permission” given that they will leave from here within the visa validity period.

  • Monitor aggregate days of business visa holders

The registration of foreigners on the business visa helps this authority to calculate the aggregate days of their stay. If it exceeds 180 days during a calendar year, it takes an action notifying them.

  • Visa renewal

However, the foreigners, except for Pakistanis, may not register with FRRO if they have a long term visa and their intention is to return within 180 days from arrival. In case, they want to exceed their stay from 180 days to more, registration is mandatory before its expiry. This authority looks into the renewal visa matters.

Entry (X) and business visa holders who exceed their 180 days of stay to more than 6 months on every visit have to renew registration.

  • Foreigners above 16 to physically report

Foreigners, including minors above 16 years of age have to be there for reporting in person. An authorized representative can also represent you before the appropriate Registration Officer for registration. Minors below the age of 16 years may not report.

  • Must to register for visa less than 180 days

FRRO/FRO registration is must in the case you have a visa for less than 180 days. This is also mandatory for the cases of special endorsement.

However, business visa holders shall not be registered on their CONTINUOUSLY STAY LESS THAN 180 DAYS IN A CALENDAR YEAR.

  • Journalist visa

Foreigners with Journalist visa or any other category that is valid for more than 180 days and has no special endorsement of “each stay 180 days with no registration”, registration is required within 180 days of arrival.

Generally, this process hardly takes a day. But, the rare cases or field inquiry may extend its processing. This authority is governed on the basis of guidelines and norms set under The Passport (Entry in India) Act, 1920, The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 and The Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992.

Local Address In NRI Passports Can Help In Speedy Documentation

Local Address In NRI Passports Can Help In Speedy Documentation

Indian expats in the foreign can now provide their local address to be added in their passports.  The news has been confirmed by a Consul of Passport and Attestation at the Indian Consulate in Dubai. According to him, the Indian government has decided to allow NRIs, PIOs or OCIs to mention their local address in their country of residence. This can help those who have no valid address in India.

The consul said, “The NRIs who have been living in the foreign for a long time don’t have a valid address in India. Such people may request the passport authority to add their local address in the passport.”

It does not mean that you have to change the address in the existing passport. You can ask consul about the same or Services2NRI is here to know about what changes you may need in the passport. The authority won’t change the address in the valid passport. Rather, you need to raise a request for a new passport to be issued with the new local address.

Change in Address for Self-Owned & Rented NRIs House

Confused about who should apply for changes in the address?

This order is applied on both, the rented and self-owned accommodation holder NRIs.

The ones who want to make changes, they need to provide certain documents as a proof of residence. This would be done at the time of applying for a new passport. Place a request for changing the address from India to overseas.

Benefits

The mention of a local address can help NRI applicant in getting documents quickly. Certificate of No Marriage of Record (CENOMAR) and Police Clearance Certificate from India, for example, can be easily drawn if you have the local address.

The verification for these documents is mandatory from the MEA and consul. It is the best way to take least of time to get other immigration or change of status documents.

The inclusion of local address where NRIs live encourages them to change their address even if they don’t have a valid address in India.

Checklist of Documents to Change the Address in India

  • Aadhaar Card/ e-Aadhaar/ Letter containing the unique Aadhaar number. But, if you don’t have (as NRIs don’t need it mandatorily), you can skip it.
  • Allotment letter of the government accommodation issued by the estate office/public work
  • Department of the Central/State Government in respect of their employees
  • Applicant’s current and valid ration card
  • Driving licence
  • Duly certified/attested extract of the service record/book of the government employees (serving/retired) or the bona fide certificate issued by the employer for serving Government employees
  • Election Commission Photo ID card
  • Electricity bill
  • Employer Certificate on letterhead from reputed and widely-known companies
  • Gas connection bill
  • Income Tax assessment order
  • Marriage Certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages along with address proof of spouse in respect of newly married women, if married
  • Parents’ passports and parents’ address proof in case of minors (if address is different)
  • Parents’ passports in case of minors (if address is the same)
  • Passport of son/ daughter in case of dependent parents (if address is the same)
  • Passport of son/ daughter in case of dependent parents and address proof of son/ daughter (if address is different)
  • Photo Passbook of existing Bank Account (Scheduled Public Sector Banks, Scheduled Private Sector Indian Banks and Regional Rural Banks only)
  • Proof of Address (POA) issued by the India Post, Department of Posts
  • Rent agreement
  • Spouse’s passport copy (first and last page including family details mentioning applicant’s name as spouse of the passport holder provided the applicant’s present address matches the address mentioned in the spouse’s passport)
  • Spouse’s passport copy (if address is different) with spouse’s address proof
  • Telephone (landline or post-paid mobile bill)
  • Water bill

In short, you need to apply for changes in your passport address by raising a request for a new passport with a new address (the local address of where you live). This tweak can help you get a single status certificate or marriage certificate or any other related document for immigration.

Entry to Foreigner Spouses (NRIs) to Filipinos Allowed Now

Entry to Foreigner Spouses (NRIs) to Filipinos Allowed Now

NRIs have to re-apply for CENOMAR if they have exceeded its validity. Such people have to get it again if they want to get married with the citizens of Philippines.

Since an unfortunate outbreak of COVID 19 is all around, most of the countries have taken precautionary steps by ceasing flights or aerial transportation. Even, immigration departments had stopped issuing new visas to break the chain of this infection. Several applications were cancelled and people were left with broken hearts.

Now, it is good to hear that the Bureau of Immigration of Philippines has allowed the entry foreigner spouse of Filipinos. But, this can happen on a condition that such foreigners must have existing visas. Simply put, those who have got the visa but unfortunately, did not allow staying here previously.

The Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente has stamped this fact, stating that aliens have permission to enter the country given that they should have the validity remaining of their visas.  For this purpose, people need not have to have entry visa, which one must mandatorily have from the port of origin.

The commissioner has issued directions, clearing all doubts to the competent authority so that it can address report of alleged confusion. Earlier, Morente had pronounced that all foreign spouses, their dependents and parents had to show the appropriate visas before entering the country.

Objections Before Allowing Entry

The BI Chief found it really impractical to compulsorily show off new visas for NRIs or other foreigner spouses, dependents and the parents of Filipinos. According to him, if the validity of their visa is still remaining, why they could not use it.  He said, “This implication should be applicable in the case of only foreigners who have solemnized marriage with Filipinos but do not have valid visa. Only such people should be barred from entry.”

NRIs To Renew CENOMAR & ACR I-Cards

Now, this is going to be a real trouble for NRIs, as they have to re-apply for the certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) if its validity is going to end. It is noteworthy that this certificate would be valid for six months only. Upon that period, one has to re-apply and get this certificate again to tie knot in Philippines.

The trouble for them is not going to end here. There is a condition for Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards (ACR I-Cards) also.  The non-residents have to check its validity as well. If it is expired, they won’t be able to get permission for entry.  Therefore, they have to renew it as soon as possible, but before taking a flight to this country.

A memorandum has been issued in this regard on 12th of August 2020, wherein the BI Port Operations Division Acting Chief Grifton Medina have confirmed over the fact that valid visa would be a licence to enter the country for alien spouses, minor dependents and parents of minor Filipinos.

Medina has specifically underscored the fact that the valid visas would be associated with the marriage to Filipinos. Let’s say, an Indian having a valid 9(g) working visa or a Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV) can have the permission to come there if he/ she is married to the resident of this country. No new visa application will be needed from the Philippine Consulates abroad.

As a matter of fact, the foreign spouses of this country’s citizen would be exempted from the travel ban, since he/she would be naturalized as its citizen. Such spouses have all rights to meet their spouses and children here as long as they want to live there with valid visa.

Visa Free Travel Restored for OCI Card Holders in US, UK, France

Visa Free Travel Restored for OCI Card Holders in US, UK, France

Indian government has restored suspended OCI benefits for Indian-Americans to enjoy visa free traveling across India.

Uplifted Ban on Visa Free Travel for OCIs

After a long spell of drastic pandemic COVID-19 outbreak, Indian government has lifted the ban on OCI card holding Indian-Americans. They can now enjoy visa free traveling across the country. The related community has been passing through ordeals in getting visa for being suspended Overseas Citizens of India services.

This card has been allowing lifelong visa free ride across this country with some restrictions for the people of this origin. Earlier, this facility was paused on April 11 amidst a nationwide lockdown and travel restrictions to break the chain of highly contagious virus.

The decision came out of blues, which creates chaos all around. The affected NRI diaspora faced off anxiety, which took them to social media like Twitter and Facebook for protesting against this decision. The media channels were flocked with narratives of this community, which is undergoing severe pain and trauma because of ceasing this service.

However, these people do not have a complete relaxation, as a few travel restrictions on those who have OCI cards were lifted. This has been so far applied to some emergency categories, which include those who travel for employment or some minors whose parents are Indian natives.

In the first week of August 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs proclaimed about the restoration of the full travel privileges for overseas citizens of India, who have passport of the USA, the UK, Germany and France. This is done under an “Air Bubble” arrangements (which are also called bilateral air travel arrangements) with all these countries.

The affected community has been waiting for this decision for a long time. This is going to heal them a little bit and minimise their harassment to a great extent.  A few of those who have been using the OCI card for past several years recalled that the abruptly banning led to a lot of heartburns among people in Indian diaspora because it was their native country where they could take shelter.

Upon Lifting Ban

The restored service has enabled free traveling for Indian-Americans, which is a great facility to exchange regards between these two countries, according to Alok Kumar- former president of the Federation of Indian Associations of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

NRIs Reaction

New Jersey-based social activist Deepender Singh was happy to listen to this great news for overseas citizen of india card holder, as the Indian government has seriously thought about the need for relaxation of visa and travel restrictions for more categories of NRIs who want to visit India and their relatives in different states. These are many from the US, the UK, Germany and France.

The ministry has announced that the air bubble scheme is going to be executed in more countries soon. The non-resident community has welcomed this decision, calling it the air bubble opportunities.

Role of Indian Missions
The Indian missions located in the US, the UK, Germany and France will encompass the air bubble arrangement, granting appropriate and quick visa to those who have related documents and have no adverse things corresponding to the arrangement.

It’s a big sigh of relief from the government of India, which has uplifted all travel sanctions on OCI card holders.

France Invites Talent Passport Holding NRIs From August

France Invites Talent Passport Holding NRIs From August

France is one of the foremost countries inviting Indian NRIs who are students, researchers and teachers holding the Talent passport.

There are hundreds of Indian students, researchers and teachers who have the Talent passport can now explore opportunities in France. This is the first country that has opened its borders for non-residents and residents of India to try their luck in a French academic establishment or laboratory.

Visa Centers in Metropolitans

The government here has opened seven visa processing centers in metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi. These centers have been in the operation from August 17, 2020. However, these visas will be granted to only a few applicants.

The visa providers have been complying with Indian travel regulations and the safety of consular teams amid the widespread of pandemic Covid-19. Likewise, the varsities in France have also made all arrangements for accommodating the international talent, either wholly or partly on the campus premises.

An ambassador Emmanuel Lenain from France addressed thousands of Indian students who would like to study there, stating that the country is back to the state of normalcy from infectious coronavirus. This is delightful to announce that the students will be the first to be benefited with this unlock. Besides, its embassy is also mobilized to allow them study there in all favourable conditions.

Limited Facility

As per directions, this visa facility is limitedly available for a long-term visa. The consul will offer certificate attestation to these applicants there so that they get their documents validated for visa.

Simply put, Indian students can travel there in autumn for studies for more than three months or more. But if they want to go for short-term courses or internship, it is also permitted now. The accommodation facility will be accompanied with the study visa.

As far as professors and researchers are concerned, they can also join French academic institution or research laboratory. Even, the students who are at the end of the course session there, they can also teach and apply for a valid long-term visa or the Talent passport.

Mandatory Certificate

The applicants must have Attestation de déplacement international dérogatoire, aka International Travel Certificate to Mainland France. The interested ones can download it from the website of the French interior ministry. It is mandatory to present it to the travel company before emigrating. The border control authorities will check it on arrival in that country.

In addition, the applicants should have an undertaking reading that the person does not show up any symptoms of COVID-19. This undertaking will ensure that the applicant has not been contacted with the infection 14 days prior to departure.

Visa Processing

Since safety is priority, the visa authority will process applications in small batches every week. It is to ensure that adequate precautions are taken at the processing centers. Moreover, social distancing and other preventive measures are being embraced. Mobile biometric data collection and courier services are being availed to carry out contactless procedures at the centers.

What if Any Sign Appears?

Since infection is widespread, an additional preventive step is being taken. If any of these travelers shows any symptoms of COVID on the entry of the French boundary, he or she will have to be quarantined or self-isolated.

Host Pre-Departure Sessions

Those who would be prepared to catch the flight, there will take place pre-departure sessions. These are called “Bienvenue en France”.  These are meant to acknowledge students with administrative procedures, ways to finding accommodation, tips from alumni and practical advice on student life in France.

The authority will grant around 118 Indian students to travel to that country at the end of September as English Language Assistants for their professional journey in French schools. This is a golden chance for French-speaking Indian students to live there and earn their bread and butter, gaining professional experience.

Indian Govt. Relaxes Travel Restrictions for OCI Card Holders

Indian Govt. Relaxes Travel Restrictions for OCI Card Holders

The Center has eased restrictions for OCI card holders with foreigner spouse to travel India since May 22.

Amid Coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced for a big relief for certain categories of foreigners, including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. The India government has allowed them to enter the country with minimum restrictions.

Have a look on the NRI categories that are permitted to travel India.

  • Those who hold OCI card under MINOR children category and whose parents are Indian nationals can enter India.
  • Those OCI card holders who have to meet family emergencies like critical medical conditions of family members or their death.
  • Those married couples between whom one has the OCI card and the other is an Indian national.
  • Students who have this card and also, one of their parents is an Indian citizen or this cardholder.
  • Students who are OCI cardholders, where at least one of their parents is an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder

As far as foreigners are concerned, the government has allowed entry to foreign nationals also. Here are the categories of those foreigners:

  • The minor children from foreign of the couple, out of whom at least one parent is Indian citizen or an overseas citizen of India card holder
  • Those foreign nationals who are wedded to an Indian citizen
  • Foreign nationals who are single parents of the minor child that has an Indian passport or an OCI card.
  • Foreign students whose at least one parent is an Indian native or this card holder
  • Dependent of foreign diplomats or official/ service passport holders authorized to foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices or accredited international organizations in India

Despite meeting all these requirements, the foreign nationals have to obtain a fresh visa from Indian consular offices located in other countries. The revalidation is mandatory from the respective mission for those who have a valid long-term visa.

The Indian Express published that the foreign nationals won’t be able to travel to India who would travel on the strength of any electronic visa that has been obtained earlier.

However, international travel would not be permitted to take place even if it is the first phase of “Unlock 1” in this country. The government has plans to ease the norms and lift up restrictions. But, this is a gradual process because the highly contagious Covid-19 is all around, spreading its deadly effect from one country to another.

In the meantime, the only flights, operating internationally, are those to bring the stranded Indian citizens.  But, the United States Department of Transportation (USDT) is still causing worries to hundreds of US-based Overseas Citizens of India card holders, especially students. It has ordered to stringently screen all Vande Bharat repatriation flights. This is going to be done on a case-by-case basis, which is irking those who want to leave America urgently.

Those who are lucky have reached Bangalore in the past few weeks. But, there are many classmates and friends who are still stuck back in the USA. A number of frantic calls for support in international flights and NRI documents and many other things in the name of institutional quarantine are making their life like a hell.

The stress level due to all these puzzling things is raising stress level in the stranded Indians. However, there are many WhatsApp group to exchange these kinds of visa and documentation information for non-residents so that they can keep themselves up-to-date.

In short, people are really in the worst condition wherein the leverages in OCI rules seem a silver lining.

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