📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
In recent months, countries around the world have implemented significant changes to their visa policies, impacting Indian travellers looking to journey abroad for various purposes. These updates are crucial for Indian citizens to be aware of, ensuring they have all necessary documents in place for their travels.
Australia recently announced a substantial increase in student visa fees for international students, affecting Indian students who make up a significant portion of the international student body in Australia. Additionally, certain temporary visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a student visa within the country.
New Zealand revised its visa regulations on June 26, affecting foreign workers and their families. The changes aim to streamline the visa process and align it with economic and immigration priorities, impacting holders of Accredited Employer Work Visas without a residency pathway.
Italy introduced a digital nomad visa, allowing non-EU remote workers to live and work in Italy for a year, bypassing the 90-day stay limit. This opens up opportunities for self-employed freelancers and corporate remote workers meeting specific criteria to work in Italy.
The European Union updated visa rules, allowing Indian nationals to apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with longer validity. This new ‘cascade’ regime for Schengen visas makes it easier for Indian citizens with a positive visa history to obtain long-term, multi-entry visas.
Germany also updated its skilled worker visa rules to attract more talent in engineering, IT, and healthcare. The ‘Opportunity Card’ introduced on June 1, 2024, enables non-EU citizens to relocate to Germany for a year to seek job opportunities, provided they meet specific criteria.
These visa updates provide Indian travellers with both challenges and opportunities when planning their international journeys in 2024. It’s essential for Indian citizens to stay informed about the latest visa policies to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel experiences.
