The Indian government has eased visa and travel restrictions for certain categories of foreign nationals — businessmen, healthcare professionals, engineers and other specialists.

As per the recent announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the relaxations cover foreign businessmen coming to India on a business visa (other than on B-3 visa for sports) in non-scheduled commercial/ chartered flights.

In addition to this, foreign healthcare professionals, health researchers, engineers and technicians for technical work at Indian health sector facilities, including laboratories and factories will be allowed to enter India. This is subject to a letter of invitation from a recognised and registered healthcare facility,  registered pharmaceutical company or accredited university in India.

Foreign engineering, managerial, design or other specialists travelling to India on behalf of foreign business entities (manufacturing units, design units, software and IT units as well as financial sector companies) located in India are also covered under this new announcement.

Also allowed are technical specialists and engineers travelling for installation, repair and maintenance of foreign-origin machinery and equipment facilities in India, on the invitation of a registered Indian business entity.

These could be for equipment installation or is under warranty, or for after-sales servicing or repair on commercial terms.

Categories of foreign nationals mentioned above have to obtain a fresh business visa or employment visa, as applicable, from the Indian Missions/ Posts abroad.

Foreign nationals holding a valid long-term multiple-entry business visa (other than B-3 visa for sports) have to get the visa re-validated from the Indian Mission/ Post concerned.

The complete details can be viewed here.