E-services expanded to more offices

What is the change? India has increased the availability of online services that eliminate the need for in-person visits available at Foreign Regional Registration Offices.

What does the change mean? The e-services (e-FRROs) are now available at FRROs in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Puducherry and Thiruvananthapuram. They were previously only available in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Visa services at FRROs.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals in need of services at FRROs in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Puducherry and Thiruvananthapuram.
• Business impact: The online services make it easier to file applications and will eliminate trips to the FRROs for foreign nationals in areas where they are available.
• Next steps: Foreign residents must set up an account and apply online at the e-Services Online Portal in order to take advantage of the services.

Background: India’s e-FRRO service was launched in February in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. The online portal allows foreign residents to submit visa applications, registrations and extensions electronically. Users 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. When the program was launched, officials said they would expand it if it was successful. They have now done so, as described above.

BAL Analysis: The expansion of e-FRRO is a welcome development that will streamline services for a growing number of foreign residents.

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.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.