quick review on e-frro compliance

E-FRRO Compliance for foreign nationals in India

In line with ‘Digital India’ vision, Government of India has further digitalised the process of FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) registration, Visa extension etc. for foreign nationals visiting India. Of lately, the Government had introduced online Foreign Registration and Visa extension facility. Foreigners could book appointment and upload documents online. However, they had to be physically present on the appointed date at the FRRO office for processing of the application.

Taking a step further, the government has now introduced an e-FRRO portal with an aim to provide faceless, cashless and paperless service to foreign nationals. There will be no requirement to visit FRRO office.

e-FRRO involves completely online application submission and document upload, for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agents etc. The foreign nationals are required to apply online by themselves.

Foreigners are required to create their own USER-ID by registering themselves online on e-FRRO portal. Afterwards, they are required to apply online through registered user-id for various Visa and Immigration related services in India viz. Registration, Visa Extension, Visa Conversion, Exit Permit etc, without any hassle and obtain the service(s) without coming to FRRO/FRO office.

Web based application aimed to build centralized online platform for foreigners for visa related services. Its key objective is to provide Faceless, Cashless and Paperless services to the foreigners with user friendly experience.

Salient Features of FRRO:

1. Mandatory visit to the local FRRO office located at Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai has been done away with, from 12 February 2018
2. Online submission of documents in respect of all visa and immigration related services (such as the Indian FRRO registration, visa extension, change of address/passport, visa conversion, exit permission, etc.)
3. Intimation to the client, through e-mail/SMS alerts for service granted / rejected
4. Registration Certificate will be sent by post and on the registered email id. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from the portal.

Document Requirement of FRRO:

• Photo and Document(s) upload are mandatory.
• First use the Online Application Submission option then upload photo and required document(s).
• Only one copy of each document type has to be uploaded.
• Scanned documents should be in PDF format.
• Single supporting document can have multiple PDFs. The maximum size of each PDF should be 1 MB.
• Only completely filled application along with photo and document(s) is available for appointment.
• Only permanently saved application is available for Re-Printing.
• Photo Requirements:
  1. Format – jpg
  2. Size – Maximum 1 MB
  3. Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open
  4. Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin

It is seen as another breakthrough initiative in line with the vision of ‘Digital India’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’. Foreign nationals and their family members will not be required to be physically present at FRRO office. Thus, this will enhance ease to foreign nationals and also, will help the Government to have better controls over the processes. Presently, the Government has introduced this facility in the four metro cities of India, which is expected to be replicated in other cities soon.

CHECKLIST FOR E-FRRO REGISTRATION:

1. Email id & Mobile No of Applicant (OTP required from both).
2. Name of City, District and State, where stay in India
3. Whether you are refugee or not ?
4. Whether you have Indian passport, if have please share; and have you surrendered it or not

(A) Documents required in Case of Medical Visa:

1. Medical Certificate From Recognized/Reputed Hospital Where Treatment Is Being Taken, Mentioning Type Of Ailment, Duration Of Treatment With Treating Doctor’s Signature And Stamp And Doctor’s Registration No. With State Code. Medical Certificate Also To Mention Name, Nationality And Passport No. Of Medical Attendant, If Any
2. Passport: Bio-Data Page Of Passport Along With Page Bearing Last Indian Immigration Arrival Stamp
3. FRRO/ FRO Registration Certificate And Stay Visa (If Any)
4. Residence Proof: Updated Form ‘C’ From Hotel Or Lodge Or Hospital/ Registered Or Notarized Lease Deed In Case Staying In A Rented Accommodation /Electricity Bill Or Landline Telephone Bill Or Municipal Bill Of The Landlord In Case Of Staying In A House Of A Friend Or A Relative Along With A Declaration From The Landlord And Copy Of Photo-ID Of The Landlord And Tenant Police Verification
5. Indian Visa
6. Applicant’s Photo

(B) Documents required in Case of Business Visa:

1. DIN No.
2. Business Related Papers For Authenticity
3. Income Tax Return / Form 26AS
4. Permission Letter From RBI/GOI In Case of Joint Venture/ Collaboration
5. Applicant’s Photo
6. Letter From AIESEC In Case of Internship
7. Balance Sheet Showing Turn Over
8. Undertaking Letter By One Of The Directors Or Authorized Representatives of The Company
9. 1st & Last Page Bearing Details Of Directors i.e. MOA and AOA
10. Residence Proof: Form C Copy From Hotel Or Lodge/ Electricity Bill / Landline Telephone / Municipal Bill Of The Landlord In Case Of Staying In A House Of A Relative Or Friend Along With A Letter And Photo-Id Card Of The Landlord. In Case Of Rented Accommodation Copy Of The Lease And License Agreement (1st And Last Page & Page Containing Its Validity)
11. Incorporation Certificate
12. Passport: Photo Page, Page Indicating Validity, Page Bearing Arrival Stamp Of Indian Immigration, Visa With Endorsement
13. Registration Certificate/ Residential Permit if any

(C) Documents required in Case of Tourist Visa:

1. 1. Passport: Photo Page, Page Indicating Validity, Page Bearing Arrival Stamp Of Indian Immigration, Visa With Endorsement
   2. Residence Proof: Residence Proof I.E. Updated Form ‘C’ Generated By Hotel/ Lodge Or Registered / Notarized Lease Deed Or Utility Bill Copy Along With Copy Of Photo-ID Of Landlord With Declaration.
   3. Copy Of Latest Indian Visa
   4. Applicant’s Photo
   5. Place of birth i.e. City, State and Country
   6. Religion
   7. Any Identification mark(s) of applicant preferably visible
   8. Present Nationality
   9. Previous Nationality if any
   10. Manner of acquiring present nationality i.e. birth/ cession/ Descent/ Naturalization/ Resumption/Subjucation
   11. Date of acquiring present nationality
   12. Whether holding dual nationality? If yes, copy of passport of second country.
   13. Whether person of Indian Origin?
   14. Complete address of last residence (outside India)
   15. Address intended for longer stay in India (Registration) and alternative address in India
   16. Occupation Details
   17. Arrival Details: Place, city and country of embarkation/boarding for India including, date of arrival, mode of journey, purpose of journey, Flight/Ship No. and place of disembarkation/arrival in India
   18. Previous registration certificate if any
   19. Details of family members/attendant/dependents, if any accompanying i.e. copy of passport and relationship with applicant required
   20. Have you served in Military/Navy or Air Force or Reserve of any country? If yes, please share i.e. Organisation, designation, rank and place of last posting
   21. Visa extension period and reason also