INDIA IMMIGRATION SERVICES MARKET

KEY FINDINGS

•  The existing schemes of Person of Indian Origin (PIO card) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI card) have been merged. Existing PIO card holders need to apply and procure OCI cards to be eligible for availing benefits like quicker immigration clearance, avail consular services from Indian mission etc.
• Default in complying with the immigration guidelines could result in penal consequences including deportation of the foreign citizen and adverse consequences for the organization. Therefore, it is imperative that the guidelines are followed and necessary compliances like registration with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO), visa extensions, etc.
• The multiple issues on the tax and regulatory fronts need to be addressed by the companies and their employees. This may require a relook at the entire assignment structure and the underlying international assignment policies.
• There are 82 Immigration Check Posts all over India, catering to international traffic. Out of these, 27 ICPs are functioning under the BoI, while the remaining ones are being managed by the concerned State Governments.  At present, there are 12 FFROs in major cities i.e. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Calicut, Cochin, Goa & Trivandrum and Chief Immigration officer in Ahmedabad. At remaining places District Superintendent of Police (SP)/District Police Chief Officer functions as FRO to facilitate foreigners.
•  To strengthen the Immigration system, a modernization programme viz. Mission Mode Project (MMP), Immigration Visa Foreigners’ Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) has been undertaken by MHA/BoI, with the assistance ofNational Informatics Center (NIC). Under the project, all the Indian Missions, Immigration Checkposts (ICPs), FFRO/FRO offices are being computerized and networked to develop a secure and integrated delivery framework to facilitate legitimate travel. 

INTRODUCTION OF INDIA IMMIGRATION SERVICES MARKET

The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) was set up in 1971 by the Government of India to undertake Immigration facilities in the country. BoI is headed by Commissioner of Immigration and assisted by FRROs for immigration facilitation service at airports and work relating to registration of foreigners under various Acts and Rules.

All foreigners (including foreigners of Indian origin) visiting India on a long term (more than 180 days) with Student Visa/ Medical Visa/Research Visa /Employment Visa are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) concerned having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay, within 14 days of arrival.

However, Pakistan nationals are required to register within 24 hours of their arrival. All Afghan nationals are required to register with the FRRO/FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival except those Afghan nationals who arrive India on a visa valid for 30 days.

The Afghan national gives his/her local address in India to the Indian Mission/FRRO/FRO. The Afghan nationals who are issued visas with exemption from police reporting are exempt from Police reporting as well as exit permission provided they leave within the visa validity period.

Foreigners other than those mentioned above are not  required to get themselves registered, even if they have entered India on a long term visa provided their continuous stay in India does not exceed 180 days. If the intention of the foreigner is to stay in India for more than 180 days, he/she should get himself/herself registered well before the expiry of 180 days from the date of arrival with the FRRO/FRO concerned.

Generally, most of the countries look for applicants, who are skilled in their occupation with at least 3+ years of experience, possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification,  who can also prove their proficiency in the English language through various internationally recognized tests.  Further for a few countries where applicants have blood relatives already residing or applicants having an offer of employment from an employer in the migrating country will be preferred.

INDIA IMMIGRATION SERVICES MARKET COUNTRIES ARE IN DEMAND FOR INDIAN PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS

1. USA

The US attracts students, techies, innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from across the globe. US-based companies are always one step ahead in hiring talented tech professionals from every country.

To work in the US, you will need the H-1 B Visa, which is in high demand right now as the restrictions have been lifted by the US government. The United States of America is a great destination for techies as it offers great rewards financially as well as professionally.

2. Canada

Canada is thriving with a strong economy and abundance of natural resources. The country’s sound environmental and social legislatures make it the perfect place to work for Indian tech professionals.

Techies benefit from Canada’s rich economy and ample job opportunities. Some of the professions require licensing

3. Japan

Japan has been instrumental in the growth of the global tech industry for more than 6 decades. It is considered one of the wealthiest nations across the globe. Japan is known for its impressive tech infrastructures such as bullet trains and the latest new innovations.

4. UK

The United Kingdom (UK) has emerged as one of the hot job destinations for techies in recent years. It goes without saying that having work experience in England is so valuable and also as most of the techies already know the language, they find no initial obstacles when they land in the country.

Techies are in high demand in the country and experienced professionals can seek to opt for this destination as there are ample opportunities to climb up the ladder and grow from experiences.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland can be a very rewarding job spot for tech professionals who wish to work abroad. This is one of the wealthiest countries and boasts of a neutral economy. Scientific research along with manufacturing is crucial for the Swiss economy, so it is a great place for professionals who would love to work in a peaceful environment.

6. Germany

Germany has a strong tech presence and it is, in fact, amongst the few countries that have a rich past in engineering. The country is known for its thriving automobile as well as pharmaceutical industries.

It is a lucrative destination for techies with experience in these domains or who wish to get experience in the field. Also, the country has some of the most high-ranking universities that are known for promoting innovation and it can be seen to have influenced the job sector as well.

7. New Zealand

The country has a stable economy, safe environment and it is a big country with over 4 million netizens. However, the country still has a high demand for tech professionals as they are in deficit at the moment. So, it is a great country for someone who is looking for a job abroad as there are ample opportunities across diverse industry verticals.

INDIA IMMIGRATION SERVICES MARKET SEGMENTATION

On Basis Of Service Type

• Visa Application
• Work Permits
• Residency Permits
• Documentation Management
• Others

On Basis Of Pricing Model

• Transaction Based Model
• Subscription Based Model
• Hourly Based Model

On Basis Of Destination

• Intra Region
• Inter Region

On Basis Of Customer Type

• Individual/Private
• Enterprise
• Small
• Medium
• Large

INDIA IMMIGRATION SERVICES MARKET COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The immigration services market has enlisted the consultants and midlevel key players that offer the immigration services, cost structure, negotiation strategies. The suppliers in the immigration service industry have moderate bargain power due to mid level availability of substitutes and moderate threats from new market entrants.

On the other hand, Buyers in the immigration services marketplace can choose their preferred pricing models after identifying the cost saving potential of the service chosen.

INDIA IMMIGRATION SERVICES MARKET KEY PLAYERS

• Akkam Overseas Consultants
• Bureau of Immigration
• Opulentus
• Diverse Immigration Services
• Fragomen
• JRR Immigration Services
• Novus Immigration Services
• Y-Axis Immigration Consultants