Trade Policy Forum meet | India flags delay in U.S. visa process for domestic businesses

“India has flagged its concerns in the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting about problems being faced by domestic businesses in getting timely visas for the U.S. and has urged America to fast track the process,” an official statement said on January 13.

“India has flagged its concerns in the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting about problems being faced by domestic businesses in getting timely visas for the U.S. and has urged America to fast track the process,” an official statement said on January 13.

The issue came up for discussions during the 14th TPF meeting in New Delhi on January 12. It was co-chaired by the U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

The Commerce Ministry said that the two Ministers noted that the movement of professional and skilled workers, students, investors and business visitors between the countries contributes immensely to enhancing bilateral economic and technological partnership.

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"Minister Goyal highlighted challenges being faced by business visitors from India due to visa processing time periods and requested the U.S. to augment processing," the statement said.

The Ministers also acknowledged the role of professional services in catalysing bilateral trade between the countries and noted that issues related to recognition of professional qualifications and experience can facilitate services trade.