India frames new rules to clear visas for Chinese nationals associated with PLI schemes

A new set of rules have been framed to clear visas for Chinese nationals associated with PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes, according to government sources. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have circulated a revised standard operating procedure (SOP) for this purpose. Sources said that the new visa regulations will help streamline the visa application process for Chinese nationals working in PLI-related sectors. Last year, the Indian government began permitting companies to form joint ventures with Chinese firms on a case-by-case basis.

During a stakeholder meeting held in August this year, manufacturers advocated for simplified visa procedures for Chinese vendors with expertise needed to accelerate production in India. The PLI schemes, introduced with an outlay of ₹1.97 lakh crores over a five-year period commencing in FY 21-22, encompassed 14 sectors such as automobiles, advanced chemistry cell battery, drones, food products, high-efficiency solar PV modules, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, specialty steel, telecommunications, textiles, and white goods.

With the current PLI schemes anticipated to continue until FY 28-29, the government anticipates the fruition of some of them next year, while others are expected to mature in the coming years. Project Management Agencies (PMAs) oversee ten PLI schemes for target measurement, while the ten departments responsible for the 14 PLI sectors have set individual targets.