India mulling new visa category for entrepreneurs and researchers
In an attempt to encourage high-skilled immigration, India is considering a special visa category for entrepreneurs and researchers. The framework for those would be more liberal than normal. The proposal, brought up by the Niti Aayog, is being discussed at the highest levels, officials say. If all goes according to plan, the mechanism would be in place by 2020.
As of now, entrepreneurs wishing to come to India are issued either business or employment visas. Both come with conditions like annual registration with police, visits to the home country for renewal, and no permanent residency. There are separate visas for researchers but the process is complicated and time-consuming, so most apply for tourist permits if their work here needs less than six months.
If the new scheme is approved, it would help establish a centralized database for high-skilled talent. Only a select few would be offered such visas. Eg, entrepreneurs would be assessed based on novelty in technology, job creation potential and ease of dissemination of products/services, among others. The goal is to complete feasibility analysis by 2018 and set up the mechanism by 2020.
The Narendra Modi government has laid much focus on boosting entrepreneurship. In 2016, it launched the Startup India initiative and offered funding of Rs. 10,000cr. Simultaneously, under the Atal Innovation Mission, it worked on establishing 500 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and 100 Atal Incubation Centres. According to the Niti Aayog, tech startups in India would go up from 4,750 (2016) to 10,500 (2020).
