Registration no longer required for foreign children

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? India is no longer requiring foreigners to register their children under age 16 with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.

What does the change mean? In addition to the registration exemption for children, either parent may conduct all visa-related services at the FRRO on behalf of children under the age of 16.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Registration.
• Who is affected: Children under 16.
• Business impact: The changes should speed up registration and other visa-related services that formerly required children to be present.

Background: Generally, all foreigners staying longer than 180 days in India must register in person within 14 days of arrival. According to a recent notice posted by the Bureau of Immigration, children under 16 are now exempt from registration. In addition, for other visa-related services such as visa extensions or exit permits, either parent may visit the FRRO on behalf of children under 16.

BAL Analysis: The new policy relieves foreign nationals of the inconvenience of registering minor children.

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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