Registration, permit processes change in Chennai

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Authorities in Chennai have changed local registration requirements and the processes for obtaining residence permits and stay visas.

Key points:

• Effective immediately, landlords and managers of apartments, hotels and other housing accommodations must complete a C Form to provide notice to the Foreign Regional Registration Office within 24 hours of a foreign national’s arrival in Chennai. (Notification is not required for tourists.) In cases where housing managers fail to do this, employers will be required to send an authorized signatory to the FRRO to explain why notice was not provided within the 24-hour time frame.
• The FRRO in Chennai has also changed the process for obtaining residential permits and stay visas. Effective immediately, residential permits and stay visas will be issued between 10 and 15 days after applications are submitted. Previously, they were typically issued on the same day applications were submitted.

Background: India has rolled out notification requirements for foreign nationals arriving in certain jurisdictions over the past couple of years. Chennai is now requiring notification within 24 hours after arrival. Chennai became the first locale to require notification when foreigners move to or depart from their accommodations. The changes to the residence permit and stay visa process, meanwhile, were undertaken so officers could more closely review files before the permits and visas are issued.

BAL Analysis: Authorities in India are taking steps to better track foreigners and prevent them from overstaying their visas. Employers should note the changes, and may wish to check to make sure that notification has been provided within 24 hours for any employees who arrive in Chennai. BAL will continue to follow developments in India to determine whether other jurisdictions also change their notification or residence permit and visa processes. Those with questions about the notification requirement or permit or visa processes should contact their BAL professional.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in India. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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