Government Launches Special Portal to Fast-Track PLI Scheme Visas

The Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated an online portal aimed at fast-tracking visas for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. The portal seeks to reduce visa processing times for technicians, primarily from China, from the current 4-5 months to within 30 days.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a specialized online portal to accelerate the visa approval process for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, according to a government official who spoke to ANI. Operational for roughly a week, the portal aims to streamline visa approvals for technicians, predominantly from China.

'We have set up an online portal to fast-track visas for technicians in PLI sectors, including for Chinese vendors,' stated the official. A government source mentioned that a meeting was convened with stakeholders to educate them about the portal's functionality. The new framework intends to cut visa processing times from the current 4-5 months to within 30 days.

This initiative addresses concerns raised by domestic manufacturing firms over delays in obtaining visas for Chinese technicians needed for machine installations, repairs, and worker training. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs to create this efficient visa system for engineers and technicians involved in setting up Chinese-made machinery in Indian factories.

(With inputs from agencies.)