Lok Sabha Question No. 389 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-02-05
Subject: Launch of E-FRRO Module
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 389

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 05 TH  FEBRUARY, 2019/, MAGHA 16, 1940 (SAKA)

LAUNCH OF E-FRRO MODULE

389.  SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  e-FRRO  module  to  cater  to various services related to VISA to foreigners which will also obviate the need of foreigners to visit FRRO offices for extending their stay, change of the VISA status etc;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government also proposes for more liberal measure for issue of  VISA  to  foreigners  for  the  cases  like  conversion  of  VISA  into  medical category  in  an  emergency  for  a  foreigners  who  is  already  in  the  country, permission for foreigners who  are on long duration VISAs to attend conferences etc.; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) & (b) Government has launched the e-FRRO Module throughout the country in  October,  2018.    It  is  a  web-based  application  aimed  to  build  centralized online  platform  for  the  foreigners  who  are  already  in  India  for  availing  visa/ immigration related services and to provide faceless, cashless and paperless services  to  them.    Under  this  Module,  12  Foreigners  Regional  Registration Officers (FRROs) act as 'Nodal Officers' and process the applications received online  from  their  respective  States  and  Districts.    All  visa  and  immigration related services within India i.e. Registration, Visa extension, Visa conversion, Exit permit etc. which were earlier being processed by Foreigners

## LS.US.Q.NO.389 FOR 05.02.2019

Registration Officers (FROs)/ Superintendents of Police (SPs) in their districts are now being processed online by nodal FRROs as per their jurisdiction. The nodal FRROs consult the FROs for feedback/ opinion on a case-to-case basis and grant services electronically after such feed back.

(c)  &  (d)  Government  has  taken  a  number  of  steps  to  facilitate  foreign nationals who are staying in India on valid visas.  A foreign national who is already  in  India  on  any  type  of  valid  visa  is  now  allowed  to  take  indoor treatment from any Government/ ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)/ NABH  (National  Accreditation  Board  for  Hospitals  &  Healthcare  Providers)/ MCI (Medical Council of India)/ CGHS (Central Government  Health Scheme) recognized  hospital  /  treatment  centre  up  to  a  period  of  180  days  without having to convert the primary visa to Medical Visa.  Besides, the requirement of a Medical Permit, which was prescribed earlier, has been dispensed with. Further,  a  foreigner  on  any  long  duration  visa,    like  Business/  Employment  / Student/ Research visa etc, is permitted to attend an international conference/  seminar/  workshop  without  any  specific  permission  from  the FRRO concerned provided political clearance and event clearance for holding the  international  conference/  seminar/  workshop,  wherever  necessary,  has been granted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs respectively.

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