The Indian government has streamlined its visa process by eliminating the dual approval process for certain foreign nationals.
The move, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), affects individuals from countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, and China, as well as foreigners of Pakistani origin and stateless persons.
These individuals require security clearance to attend events in India, such as conferences and sporting competitions.
The MHA regulates security clearance for people in the Prior Reference Category (PRC) list.
The Security Clearance Portal (SCP) is a centralized web application for streamlining security clearances for specific categories handled by the MHA.
The recent amendments to the Visa Manual include dispensing with separate PRC clearance for foreign nationals who have been granted security clearance on the SCP portal.
Additionally, powers relating to visa extensions, conversions, and other visa-related services have been incorporated into the Visa Manual.
India currently offers e-Visas to nationals of 172 countries, with the provision of multiple entries on various visas granted under the e-Visa platform also included in the amendments.
