Checklist for Visa Extension under FRRO

Checklist for Visa Extension under FRRO

Feb 9, 2021 | Blog, Others

WHAT IS FRRO REGISTRATION:
Registration under FRRO
 is a mandatory requirement by the Government of India under which all foreign nationals (excluding overseas citizens of India) visiting India on a long term visa (more than 180 days) are required to register themselves with a Registration Officer within 14 days of arriving in India.

Pakistani nationals visiting India are required to register within 24 hours of arrival regardless of the duration of their stay.

Foreign registration was mandated and is regulated by the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 and the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992.

Persons who fail to register within the specified time period are charged a late fee of US$30.

In April 2018, the Union Government launched the e-FRRO scheme which allows foreigners to register and avail visa and immigration related services online.

Under the new scheme, a foreign citizen is no longer required to appear in-person at an FRRO office, unless specifically required to do so.

TO WHOM VISA EXTENSION UNDER REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY?
Registration is essential for all foreigners registered under FRRO and their registration expiring (generally FRRO Registration is granted for 1 period of 1 year) and their tenure of stay in India is more than 1 year, hence, in that case the foreigners are require to extend their FRRO Registrations.

Extension requirements for foreign national:
Foreigners must submit an application for extension of residential permit / visa at least 60 days before the date of expiry of respective residential permit/visa.

Over stay:
In the event of an overstay foreigner is liable for prosecution under Foreigners Act 1946 and imprisonment for up to 5 years with fine & expulsion from India.

Late Renewal of Residential Permit:
A foreigner who has delayed for renewal of Residential Permit, on application, if delay is condoned will be charged a penalty for late Registration which is as mentioned below.

Financial Penalty for Overstay and / or non-Registration

S. No. Duration of Overstay and/or non- registration period Financial Penalty (in Indian Rupees)
1 1 day up to 15 days 500/-
2 16 days to 90 days 5,000/-
3 91 days up to 2 years 10,000/-
4 More than 2 years 20,000/-

Financial penalty in cases of (a) Tibetans, (b) Buddhist monks from Mongolia & (c) categories of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan nationals, who are eligible for grant of Long Term Visa (LTV) for regularization of overstay and/or non-registration

S. No. Duration of Overstay and/or non- registration period Financial Penalty (in Indian Rupees)
1 1 day to 90 days 25/-
2 91 days up to 2 years 50/-
3 More than 2 years 100/-

 DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE PRODUCED FOR EXTENSION OF VISA
1. Valid FRRO Registration Certificate
2. Valid Passport
3. PAN
4. Lease Deed/Form C from Hotel Manager, as the case may be
5. Coloured Photograph
6. NOC from Ministry of External Affairs

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN NOC FROM MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (MEA)

  • An applicant (Foreigner) needs to take a request Letter from the Employer Company requesting Ministry of external affairs towards VISA extension describing the details of employment and details of passport of foreigner.
  • After taking above mentioned NOC from Employer, the same needs to be uploaded along with the copy of passport, photograph, valid FRRO Registration Certificate & the request letter obtained from Employer at the below mentioned web link and fill in the requisite details of foreign applicant as well:https://meacms.mea.gov.in/meaindiabeat/Foreign_Journalists_Registration.aspx

    After uploading the requisite documents, the applicant needs to visit (through login details of e-FRRO Portal) https://meacms.mea.gov.in/meaindiabeat/JournalistsLogin.aspx and fill in the requisite details and upload the following documents :

    1. Request letter
    2. Business card
    3. Copy of Passport
    4. Photograph
    5. Lease Agreement/Form C from Hotel Manager, as the case may
    6. PAN of Applicant/Foreigner
    7. Valid FRRO Registration Certificate

  • After completion of Stage 2 as mentioned above, the NOC shall be issued within 15-20 working days from Ministry of external affairs through email and the email shall be received by the applicant on registered email ID which is registered with FRRO Officer on their e-FRRO Portal.

    captcha

    Recent Blogs

    How Can NRI Transfer Money to India? A Complete Guide

    For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), transferring money to India is a common necessity, whether for family support, investments, or property purchases. With numerous transfer options available today, NRIs can find a suitable method that offers both convenience and...

    Why a Tax Advisor is Essential for Your Business

    Running a business involves a multitude of responsibilities, from managing finances and scaling operations to ensuring compliance with ever-evolving tax laws. While tax season can be a daunting time for business owners, partnering with a tax advisor can transform the...

    Who Needs an Internal Audit in India?

    In India, internal audits are becoming more of a necessity than a choice for organizations of all types and sizes. Whether you’re running a listed company, a private firm, or even a non-profit organization, the role of internal auditing in ensuring financial...

    The Role of Accounting in Business Decision Making

    In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, accounting plays a pivotal role in guiding businesses toward sound decisions. Whether you're running a small startup or a large corporation, understanding the financial health of your business is crucial....

    Effective Strategies for Managing Business Debt

    Running a business often involves taking on debt to fuel growth, manage operations, or navigate tough times. But if not managed properly, business debt can become overwhelming and hinder your success. In this article, we'll explore effective strategies for managing...

    Taxation of Expatriate Employees in India

    Understanding the taxation of expatriate employees in India is crucial for both individuals and businesses. Navigating the complex tax laws can be daunting, but it's essential for compliance and financial planning. Who is Considered an Expatriate in India? Definition...

    Choosing Between the New Tax Regime vs. Existing Old Regime

    Introduction Navigating the complexities of income tax in India can be daunting, especially with the introduction of the new tax regime. As a taxpayer, deciding between the new tax regime and the existing old regime can significantly impact your financial planning and...

    Complete Understanding About GSTR-1A

    Introduction to GSTR-1A When it comes to Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance, there are numerous forms and procedures businesses need to be familiar with. One such form is GSTR-1A. But what exactly is GSTR-1A, and why is it important? GSTR-1A is a GST return form...

    Tax Planning Strategies for NRIs Returning to India

    Introduction Tax planning can be a complex process, especially for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who decide to return to India. As you prepare to transition back to your home country, understanding the tax implications is crucial to ensure you don’t end up overpaying or...

    MAKE AN IMPRESSION WITH US