Here are India’s statutory updates for 2025.
Effective July 2025
India Resumes Tourist Visa Issuance for Chinese Nationals
India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five year suspension.
Key Details:
- Applies to nationals of the People’s Republic of China holding valid ordinary passports.
- Tourist visa issuance had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The reinstatement allows Chinese nationals to apply for and obtain tourist visas for tourism-related travel only to India.
- Applicants must complete an online application via the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) portal.
- Supporting documents must be submitted at designated visa centers in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
- This move is part of broader efforts to normalise inbound travel.
Source: Fragomen
India Introduces Electronic Visas for Kuwaiti Nationals
India officially launched its fully digital e‑Visa service option for Kuwaiti nationals, enabling online visa applications for multiple short‑term purposes, without embassy visits.
Key Details:
- Kuwaiti citizens holding valid passports, eligible to apply via the online Indian government e‑Visa platform.
- Kuwaiti nationals are now eligible to apply for various categories of eVisas, including tourist, business, medical, wellness and conference.
- The move is part of India’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and simplify entry procedures.
Source: Fragomen
Effective February 2025
India Extends PIO to OCI Card Conversion Deadline
The Indian government has extended the deadline for Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders to convert their PIO cards to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards until 31 December 2025.
Key Details:
- PIO Cards Still Valid: PIO cards can still be used for travel when presented with a valid foreign passport.
- OCI Transition Recommended: The Indian government advises PIO holders to switch to OCI cards under the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.
- Potential Travel Risks: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) may invalidate handwritten PIO cards, meaning travelers may need a visa to enter India.
PIO cardholders should complete their OCI conversion as soon as possible to avoid travel disruptions.
Source: Fragomen
India Budget 2025 Economic Measures
India’s Budget 2025 introduces measures aimed at addressing economic slowdown and promoting growth:
- Increased Public Infrastructure Investment: Substantial budget allocation for roads, railways, and urban development to stimulate job creation and economic activity.
- MSME Support Schemes: Enhanced credit access and subsidies for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to support their growth and recovery.
- Focus on Green Energy: Incentives and funding for renewable energy projects to strengthen India’s energy transition and sustainability goals.
- Tax Reforms: Simplified compliance and reduced corporate tax rates for select sectors to encourage investment.
Source: Economic Times
Effective January 2025
India GST Compliance Changes for 2025
India will implement significant updates to GST compliance from 2025:
- Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): All taxpayers, regardless of turnover, must use MFA for GST logins to enhance security.
- Streamlined E-Invoicing: E-invoicing requirements will apply to businesses with turnover exceeding ₹5 crore, reducing the previous threshold of ₹10 crore.
- Updated Input Tax Credit (ITC) Rules: ITC claims will now require mandatory validation of vendor compliance with GST filings.
Source: India Briefing
