Chinese technicians, engineers may get faster visas for work

The commerce and industry ministry will take up with the external affairs ministry the issue of exporters' demand for faster visas for Chinese technicians and engineers who are required to visit India for setting up factories or machinery here.

"There are some sectors which require technicians to come to set up plants here and that's a good idea as it will benefit our manufacturing and exports. We will raise it with the external affairs ministry," said an official, who did not wish to be identified.

Exporters have raised the issue of delay in visas to Chinese technicians, which is affecting companies such as those making non-leather footwear and sports shoes in commencing their operations.


"This is delaying investments, especially when global companies are looking to divert from China to India. There is a need for expedited visas," an industry representative said on condition of anonymity.

Separately, the ministry will examine exporters' demand to allow small units to pay their liabilities in lieu of defaults under export support schemes in instalments instead of making the entire payment by September 30, said officials.

Exporters availing the amnesty scheme for two key export programmes have to make a one- time payment by September 30.

Officials said the proposal will be examined in the light of exemptions given to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) under the Vivad se Vishwas scheme wherein their performance security, bid security and liquidated damages forfeited or deducted for being unable to execute government contracts due to Covid-19 would be refunded.

In a meeting with ministry on Tuesday, exporters said a one-time payment will affect the working capital of MSME units and they should be allowed to stagger them.

The amnesty programme aims at one-time settlement of defaults in export obligations under the Advance Authorization and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) schemes.

"There was a demand that MSMEs may not be able to pay the entire amount upfront and that an instalment method be considered, starting with 30-40% payment," said an official, who did not wish to be identified.