 "PM's proposed gift to China: Relaxed visa norms for Chinese nationals")
The Union Cabinet is likely to approve the signing of a MoU with China which will ease visa norms for Chinese nationals visiting the country for business or tourism.
If approved, Chinese nationals applying for visa under Business (B) category will be eligible for a one-year multiple entry as opposed to the current six month visa which allows for a maximum stay of 90 days, the Hindustan Times reported .
[caption id=“attachment_117478” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. AFP[/caption]
Also among the changes is a proposal that will lift the bar on Chinese tourists returning to India within two months of leaving the country.
In addition, the Home Ministry will have to clear applications of those visiting the country on employment or project visas within a period of 30 days, India Today reported . Currently, there exists no time frame resulting in delays.
The relaxation in visa norms comes days after two archers from Arunachal Pradesh were not allowed to board a Chinese airline for having stapled visas.
The government is likely to approve these proposals at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, days before Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh leaves for Russia and China.
With China playing a greater role in terms of infrastructure as well as an inflow of FDIthe government is looking to liberalise norms and ease rigours of doing business in the country.
During Singh’s visit, the two countries are also expected to sign an agreement to facilitate Special Chinese Industrial Parks in India which will seek to promote investment from China.
Besides holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Singh will address the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central School.
With PTI inputs