Immigration, visa issuance scheme gets 5-year extension, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) scheme for five years, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
• The extension has a budget of ₹1,800 crore.
• The IVFRT scheme aims to interlink and optimize functions related to immigration, visa issuance, and registration of foreigners in India.
• The scheme initially started in 2010 to modernize and upgrade immigration and visa services.
• The IVFRT system has enabled a 100% contactless visa process, with 91.24% of e-visa applications cleared within 72 hours over the past five years.

Detailed Insights:

• The IVFRT scheme's extension is crucial following the enactment of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, to modernize immigration control and foreigner management.
• The scheme covers 117 Immigration Posts, 15 Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs), and 854 Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) across the country.
• The modernization aims to address emerging requirements and future challenges, including illegal migration.
• The IVFRT system includes online appointment scheduling and payment facilities, contributing to faster visa processing times.

Key Concepts Involved:

• IVFRT Scheme: A government initiative to modernize and integrate immigration, visa, and foreigner registration services.
• FRRO: Field units responsible for registration, visa extension and other services to foreigners.
• Contactless Visa Process: A system that allows visa applications and processing to be completed online without physical interaction.