India has launched a new e-Production Investment Business Visa, referred to as the e-B-4 Visa. This initiative allows Chinese business professionals to enter India for specific industrial and commercial activities. It forms part of recent collaborative measures aimed at stabilizing and gradually resetting the bilateral relationship between India and China.
As per an advisory from the Indian Embassy in Beijing, the e-B-4 Visa was introduced on January 1 and can be applied for entirely online. Applicants do not need to visit the embassy or engage intermediaries. The processing time for the visa is expected to be between 45 to 50 days, and it allows for a stay in India of up to six months. This visa is specifically aimed at facilitating production-linked and investment-related business operations.
The advisory outlines a broad range of eligible activities under the e-B-4 Visa. These include:
This visa is aimed at supporting operational continuity within the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Chinese nationals may apply directly through the Bureau of Immigration’s official portal by selecting the e-Visa option and submitting the necessary supporting documents. Concurrently, Indian companies wishing to invite Chinese professionals under the e-B-4 category must register on the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s National Single Window System (NSWS). Applications can be initiated through the NSWS portal using the 'Business User Login' feature.
The introduction of the e-B-4 Visa occurs amidst efforts by India and China to enhance people-to-people and business interactions following a period of diplomatic strain. By facilitating business travel for Chinese professionals engaged in essential industrial operations, India seeks to balance security concerns with economic interests, particularly in sectors reliant on specialized technical skills and global supply chains.
Q1. What is the purpose of the e-B-4 Visa?
Answer: The e-B-4 Visa allows Chinese business professionals to travel to India for specific industrial and commercial activities, enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
Q2. How long can Chinese professionals stay in India on an e-B-4 Visa?
Answer: The e-B-4 Visa permits a stay of up to six months for Chinese professionals engaged in eligible business activities.
Q3. What types of activities are allowed under the e-B-4 Visa?
Answer: Allowed activities include installation of equipment, workforce training, IT system ramp-up, and supply chain development, among others.
Q4. Can applicants apply for the e-B-4 Visa online?
Answer: Yes, applications for the e-B-4 Visa can be submitted entirely online through the Bureau of Immigration's official portal.
Q5. What is the processing time for the e-B-4 Visa?
Answer: The processing time for the e-B-4 Visa is generally between 45 to 50 days from the date of application.
Question 1: What is the main purpose of the e-B-4 Visa introduced by India?
A) To facilitate tourism
B) To allow business professionals from China to operate in India
C) To promote cultural exchange
D) To support educational programs
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT an allowed activity under the e-B-4 Visa?
A) Production activities
B) Installation of equipment
C) Quality checks
D) Retail sales
Correct Answer: D
Question 3: How long is the stay permitted on the e-B-4 Visa?
A) 30 days
B) 90 days
C) 180 days
D) 365 days
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Where can Chinese nationals apply for the e-B-4 Visa?
A) At the Indian embassy
B) Online through the Bureau of Immigration
C) Through travel agents
D) At local government offices
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the processing time for the e-B-4 Visa?
A) 15 to 20 days
B) 30 to 35 days
C) 45 to 50 days
D) 60 to 70 days
Correct Answer: C
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