By Mewati Sitaram
A new online portal designed to expedite the approval process for short-term business visas for Chinese technicians has recently gone live, according to a senior government official. This development comes as welcome news for industries participating in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, where Chinese expertise is crucial for setting up and optimizing production units.
The implementation of this portal addresses concerns raised by domestic industries regarding delays in fulfilling export orders due to visa-related holdups for Chinese technicians. These delays, which became more pronounced following the Galwan incident in 2020, have significantly impacted production timelines for companies importing machinery from China.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken proactive steps to familiarize various departments with the portal’s functionality through training sessions and interactions. This initiative aims to streamline the visa granting process specifically for Chinese technicians working in PLI sectors.
The reliance on Chinese professionals stems from India’s significant dependence on China for critical components in the electrical and electronic segments. Official data reveals that engineering and electronic items constitute nearly 60% of the approximately $100 billion worth of imports from China, underscoring their importance in meeting India’s export commitments.
Industry sources highlight that Chinese technicians are often preferred due to their cost-effectiveness compared to their counterparts from Western or Southeast Asian countries. The visa delays have sometimes forced manufacturers to relocate production to alternative locations without such restrictions.
Interestingly, the recent Economic Survey advocated for attracting investments from Chinese companies to boost exports, noting that countries like Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Korea are benefiting from the “China-plus-one” strategy adopted by Western firms. The survey emphasized the importance of India connecting to China’s supply chain to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and integrate into the global supply network.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
