India frames new rules to expedite visa clearance for Chinese nationals working in PLI sectors

India frames new rules to clear visas for Chinese nationals working in PLI sectors

India has framed new rules to clear visas for Chinese nationals working in the PLI sectors, a government source has said.

New visa norms will help streamline approvals for visas to Chinese national which had earlier been getting delayed, the source added.

“The ministry of home affairs and ministry of external affairs have worked on this. A new SOP has been circulated for those working in the PLI sector. This will help streamline visa approvals and yes this is for Chinese nationals," the source further said.

Relations between the two nations have remained sour with the Chinese President Xi Jinping missing on attending India's recent G20 leadership meet.

During a review of India's main industry incentive - production linked scheme (PLI), company executives asked the government to expedite visa for Chinese professionals as it was slowing investments and in matters where vendors required expertise from Chinese professionals.

The PLI scheme was approved in 2020 and currently covers 14 sectors, including steel, textiles, electronics, IT hardware, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, telecom and drones among others. Discussions to include other sectors are ongoing.

Of the total sectors, only eight are doing well. The review will focus on schemes for the remaining six sectors including steel and textiles, advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, automobiles & auto components, high-efficiency solar PV modules and white goods where the scheme has not achieved full utilisation.

The outlay

Of the total outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore that is to be given out under the scheme, just Rs 2,900 crore has been disbursed.

“Achieving disbursement of 1.97 lakh crore will be crucial. While eight sectors are already receiving disbursement, the remaining six are yet to begin to receive any. There is a lag but we are not worried, it will happen well with time,” DPIIT secretary, Rajesh Singh had earlier said.

The eight sectors that have received PLI include Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), IT Hardware, Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Telecom & Networking Products, Food Processing and Drones & Drone Components.