E-services replacing in-person visits to FRROs

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? India’s Bureau of Immigration is introducing online services that will eliminate the need for in-person visits to the Foreign Regional Registration Office for foreign nationals.

What does the change mean? On Monday, e-Services were launched by the Foreign Regional Registration Offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. If successful, the service is expected to be expanded to other locations.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Visa services at FRROs.
• Who is affected: Foreign residents in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.
• Business impact: The online services should make it easier to file applications and will eliminate trips to the FRROs.
• Next steps: Foreign residents must set up an account and apply online at the e-Services Online Portal.

Background: The online portal will allow foreign residents to submit visa applications, registrations and extensions electronically. They may pay online and receive their registration or visa extension at their address. Text messages and email alerts with status updates are also available through e-Services.

BAL Analysis: The e-Services are a welcome development that is intended to streamline services for foreign residents and to provide a “faceless, cashless and paperless” process.

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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