India has introduced significant immigration reforms to modernize administration, digitize services, strengthen compliance and enhance security. These changes are expected to affect foreign nationals, multinational organisations, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and global mobility programs.
The key changes concern four areas: (1) reclassified visa categories, (2) the launch of the electronic OCI (e-OCI) card, (3) revised registration requirements for foreign nationals planning to stay in India for more than 180 days, and (4) enhanced health screening measures affecting eligibility to apply for Indian visas and travel to India.
Indian Employment Visa categories reclassified
The Indian visa application portal has revised the Indian visa framework by reorganizing existing visa sub-categories as part of broader immigration reforms. Under the revised structure, the employment visa sub-categories have been reclassified as follows:
| Previous Category | Revised Category |
| E-1: General employment cases (excluding Intra-company transferees and NGOs) | E-1: All cases of employment (Including Intra-company transferees but excluding NGOs and Missionary/Religious Worker of Approved Organisation) |
| E-2: Intra-company transferees | E-2: Employment with NGOs |
| E-3: NGOs | E-3: For Missionary/Religious Worker of Approved Organisation |
While the change currently does not appear to have significant operational implications, organisations should review visa classifications for future filings and ensure internal processes align with the revised framework.
India advances Digital OCI (e-OCI) Card
Building on the recent introduction of the Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) card discussed in our last alert, the Government of India has announced additional measures to further digitize OCI services.
Registration required before completion of 180 Days
India has revised its foreign national’s registration requirements under the Immigration and Foreigners framework.
Previously, foreign nationals entering India on certain visa categories permitting stays of 180 days or less were allowed to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) only after completing 180 days in India. Under the revised rules, foreign nationals intending to stay beyond 180 days must register with the FRRO or FRO before the 180-day period expires. Failure to meet the prescribed timelines may result in penalties.
Enhanced Ebola Screening & Air Suvidha 2.0
India has introduced additional health screening measures for travellers arriving from, or who have recently transited through, Ebola-affected countries. Travellers must disclose recent travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, as well as any Ebola-related symptoms, when applying for an Indian visa. Those who have left an affected country within the previous 21 days, or who report specified Ebola symptoms, are currently unable to submit an Indian visa application.
The Government has also activated Air Suvidha 2.0, which requires all passengers, including Indian nationals, to submit an online Self-Declaration Form within 36 hours before departure. Travellers must provide recent travel history and health information and should carry their Air Suvidha registration confirmation for arrival clearance.
These changes reflect India’s continued move toward a more digitized, security-focused and compliance-driven immigration framework. Organisations sponsoring foreign nationals to India should review their immigration processes, visa strategies, registration timelines and travellers’ recent travel history to ensure they align with the revised requirements and help minimise travel disruption. OCI cardholders should also become familiar with the new e-OCI platform and related record-update requirements.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact.
Ishita Sengupta
India Lead
Sebin Jinny
Immigration Lead
Anand Dhelia
Partner
Sundeep Agarwal
Partner
Ravi Jain
Partner
Chander Talreja
Partner
Hitesh Sharma
Partner
Nishant Kumar
Partner
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