Archive · 18 Dec 2025
India Eases Visa Rules for Foreign Engineers
India has made it easier for companies to bring in foreign experts like engineers and technicians, especially from China.
These experts help with setting up machines, checking quality, and training workers.
The government has created an online system where Indian companies can quickly get special letters to invite these experts.
This new system is faster and simpler than before.
It helps all companies, not just those getting special government incentives.
The experts can now come to India more easily to help with production work.
This change comes after India and China have been improving their relationship.
India has introduced a digital platform for generating sponsorship letters for foreign professionals under the e-B-4 Visa.
The new system simplifies and speeds up the visa process for production-related activities, benefiting both PLI and non-PLI firms.
129 sponsorship letters have been generated since the module's launch on November 29, 2023.
The e-B-4 Visa is for foreign experts in installation, commissioning, quality check, maintenance, training, and plant design.
The facility is open to both PLI and non-PLI firms, and the process no longer requires approval from the line ministry.
- Who
- Indian companies and foreign technical experts, predominantly Chinese
- What
- Introduction of a digital platform for generating sponsorship letters and easing business visa rules
- When
- Module launched on November 29, 2023
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ease production-related activities, improve ease of doing business, and boost ties with China
- Module Launch Date
- November 29, 2023
- Sponsorship Letters Generated
- 129
- Visa Category
- e-B-4 Visa
- Purpose of Visa
- Production-related activities
- Facilitating Platform
- National Single Window System (NSWS)
- Beneficiary Firms
- PLI and non-PLI firms
- Integration
- NSWS with e-Visa portal via API
- MHA Circular Date
- August 2025
- Estimated Production Losses
- $15 billion over four years
- Key Dependence
- Chinese professionals for manufacturing services
Sources
Govt streamlines visa processes for foreign professionals, engineers needed by Indian firms
New visa created for foreign professionals to aid manufacturing
India introduces new e B 4 visa to ease entry of foreign technical experts in domestic firms
India Streamlines Visa Rules In Boost For Chinese Professionals
Business visa reforms to boost manufacturing, ease entry for Chinese professionals
Govt eases visa processes for foreign professionals, engineers needed by Indian firms
India eases business visa rules for foreign engineers, aiding firms reliant on Chinese technicians