Power and Metal Producers Urge Centre To Streamline Visa For Foreign Experts

India-based local power and metal producers requested to centre to streamline the visa regime, similar to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to facilitate foreign experts, including those from China. According to reports, these players highlighted the issue of slow processing of visas for foreign specialists. The producers have proposed the creation of a special cell and a mechanism to ensure the timely issuance of visas for foreign experts, officials, and engineers from overseas original equipment suppliers (OEMs).

Power producers face delays in project-critical activities, including power plant commissioning, flue gas desulfurisation installation, and capital overhauls, due to visa approval delays, particularly for Chinese OEMs, contractors, and engineers.

Metal producers struggle with stalled expansion projects in the aluminium industry, valued at over USD 2 billion, due to the need for highly technical experts from China with specialized expertise in patented technology not available locally.

These delays hinder the industries' growth and development, despite signs of increased private capital formation.

In 2020, the Indian government introduced restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) from countries sharing a land border, citing security concerns.

The expert says that it was helping to prevent opportunistic takeovers, but it also led to difficulties in obtaining visas for Chinese personnel, including technicians and experts.

Recently, officials announced a new standard operating procedure (SOP) to streamline visa approvals for Chinese professionals under the PLI scheme.

The SOP, which doesn't require Union Cabinet approval, aims to address visa delays flagged by domestic manufacturing firms.

Now, metal and power producers are seeking similar streamlined visa policies, citing the need for consistent regulations across core sectors to prevent project delays and ensure smooth operations.