Modi Meets Indian Diaspora In The US, Announces Special Visa Rights
Modi Meets Indian Diaspora In The US, Announces Special Visa Rights
PM Modi has recently met members of the Indian diaspora on his recent trip to the US. He has declared that he would deliver on the electoral promise of moving the Indian growth story onto the right trajectory and urged them to join. A 20,000 strong crowd gathered at Madison Avenue to greet the PM even as millions around the world watched the event on television. In his speech in Hindi, the PM mentioned how India is now the land of software wizards and not snake charmers. Several sops were also announced for the Indian diaspora. Lifelong visas were announced for Persons of Indian Origin cardholders. A merger of the PIO and Overseas Citizenship of India schemes were also proposed.
India is also on the cusp of change. The PM announced that India has been blessed with a demographic dividend of around 65% of the people below the age of 35. With a ready market of 1.25 billion people, the nation is set to achieve big things in the days to come. He has been quoted as having said, “Indian can supply the workforce to the world.” He also proposed that the diaspora should join in through a vikas jan andolan to advance India further on the path to growth and development. He also mentioned the Make in India campaign to encourage India origin companies in the US to look homewards as well. The Make In India campaign was launched ahead of the PM's US visit.
PM Modi also made a reference to the Clean India movement for Indians abroad who want to see a cleaner India. He also announced visa free arrival for US tourists in India. Another announcement was also made during the speech. As per the PM's latest declaration, Indian missions in the US will be granting long term visas to US citizens. The PM is currently in the US on a visit from 26th September to 30th September. An attempt is being made to revive bilateral dialogue and strategic partnerships following some issues between the two vibrant democracies.
The Indian PM also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal as well as Sri Lanka before embarking on the US visit. PIOs staying in India will also not have to report to the police, according to the announcement made by the PM.
Modi also said online visas would be introduced. An expansion of visa outsourcing services is also on the cards for reducing the current issues. Presently, PIO cards are given to those who were once Indian citizens and this allows for visa free travel to and from the country. But the PIO cars is only valid for 15 years. Adding to the problem is the law that if the PIOs stay in the country for more than 180 days on a single visit, they have to register within 30 days of expiry of the 180 days with the local police or the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer. This has now been abolished.
The PM also announced that the PIO and OCI schemes will eventually combine to form a new scheme which also includes spouses. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will also be held in Ahmedabad next year in honour of Mahatma Gandhi who was an expatriate and returned to the nation to fight for its freedom.
