Government eases FRRO rules for visiting foreigners

Soon, foreigners coming to India will have a smoother stay with the government planning to give exemption to multiple categories of visa-holders from visiting FRROs (foreign regional registration offices) for security verification or change of address.

Currently, every foreigner visiting India on a student visa, research visa, medical visa or medical attendant visa and employment visa valid for more than 180 days is required to get registered with the concerned FRRO within 14 days of first arrival.

These services will be soon made online by the Union home ministry to give them a hassle-free visit.

Long-term visitors who change their location from one city to another will just have to go online to inform the FRRO office.

The move is set to cut delays, corruption and inconvenience to foreigners coming to India.

The Modi government has recently taken a number of initiatives to promote India on the international map as an attractive destination for not only business and tourism purposes, but medical and employment facilities and education and research.

The move is set to boost these sectors as over the years many complaints have been received by government departments from foreigners seeking medical aid in India finding it tough to report to FRROs as they need direct hospitalisation.

In other cases, there have been instances when foreigners on research visas or employment have changed their locations more than the sanctioned times and every time have to personally report to the FRROs.

“For the first time, such categories of visas will be exempted from paying visits to the FRROs,” a top government functionary said.