Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
India: New Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for Indian nationals
The Ministry of Home Affairs of India (MHA) has announced a special program called the
“Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)” for Indian nationals and OCI card holders. The benefits of this immigration pr
ocess for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders
will be fast-tracked and it is designed for faster, smoother, and safer immigration clearance for international travellers while arriving in India.
Eligible applicants are required to apply online and submit their biometrics (fingerprint and facial image) at the designated international airports in India or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Enrolment to the programme will be completed after necessary verifications and fulfilment of eligibility.
The FTI registration will be valid for a maximum of five years or within the validity of the Pass
port.
The processing Time of the registration may take up to one month.
This summary was prepared using information from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
South Africa: Extension of the Temporary Visa Concession
The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the temporary concession for foreign nationals awaiting visa, waiver, and appeal outcomes. This extension protects applicants from adverse consequences while the Department works to reduce backlogs. The decision aims to improve South Africa’s visa system, attract investment, tourism, and job creation.
Visa Holders with Pending Waiver Applications (as of 30 June 2024): For individuals with pending waiver applications, a temporary extension until 31 December 2024 has been granted. This extension enables the Department to process applications, and applicants have the option to collect their outcomes and submit applications for suitable visas. Exiting South Africa without being declared undesirable is permissible if done at a port of entry on or before 31 December 2024. Additionally, those awaiting waiver application outcomes can travel in and out of South Africa until the same date without facing undesirable status. However, non-visa exempt applicants must apply for a port of entry visa for re-entry.
Pending Long-Term Visa Applications (as of 30 June 2024): For individuals with pending long-term visa applications, an additional temporary extension until 31 December 2024 has been approved. Similar to waiver applications, exiting without being declared undesirable is permissible if done at a port of entry on or before 31 December 2024. Traveling while awaiting the outcome of a long-term visa application is allowed until the same date. However, non-visa exempt applicants must apply for a port of entry visa for re-entry.
Appeals on Negative Long-Term Visa Decisions: If an individual has appealed a negative decision on a long-term visa application, a temporary extension until 31 December 2024 applies. Exiting South Africa without being declared undesirable is permissible if done at a port of entry by 31 December 2024. While waiting for the appeal outcome, re-entering South Africa without being declared undesirable is allowed until the same date. It is important to produce a copy of the rejection letter and a receipt for the appeal application during re-entry. Non-visa exempt appeal applicants must apply for a port of entry visa.”
Short-Term Visa Renewal Applicants: If an individual has applied for a renewal but hasn’t received the outcome, they must depart from South Africa within 90 calendar days from the date of expiry of the principal visa to avoid being declared undesirable.
These temporary concessions apply to foreign nationals who have been legally admitted into South Africa and have submitted their applications via VFS Global tracking system.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Department of Home Affairs of Republic of South Africa
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration)
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