Cabinet Clears Extension of Immigration Visa Tracking System for Five More Years

New Delhi, March 25: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking system for another five years, extending its implementation from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031, with a financial allocation of ₹1800 crore.

The scheme, overseen by the Government of India, is designed to integrate and streamline services related to immigration, visa issuance, and monitoring of foreign nationals in the country. Its primary objective is to create a secure, efficient, and technology-driven ecosystem that facilitates genuine travellers while reinforcing national security mechanisms.

Originally launched with Cabinet approval in 2010, the programme has undergone multiple extensions and financial revisions over the years to keep pace with evolving requirements. The latest decision marks a significant step toward strengthening the system in line with rising global mobility and emerging security challenges.

The upcoming phase will focus on introducing advanced technological solutions, modernizing core infrastructure, and optimizing service delivery systems. Authorities plan to incorporate innovations such as mobile-based applications and automated self-service kiosks to ensure faster and more seamless passenger movement across immigration checkpoints.

In addition, the system will undergo expansion and upgrades across Immigration Posts, Foreigners Regional Registration Offices, and data centres, enabling a more robust and scalable nationwide network. A unified digital platform and improved application architecture are also expected to enhance operational efficiency and user experience.

The move gains further importance following the enactment of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which necessitates stronger systems to manage immigration processes, including tackling illegal migration and improving foreigner tracking capabilities.

Over the years, the system has significantly improved service delivery by enabling a fully online and contactless visa process, including digital appointments and payments. A large majority of electronic visa applications have been processed within a short time frame, demonstrating increased efficiency.

Passenger processing time at immigration checkpoints has also seen a notable reduction, bringing down clearance duration to just a few minutes. The introduction of fast-track automated gates at major airports has further accelerated the process, cutting clearance time to under a minute for registered travellers.

The initiative is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits by facilitating smoother travel, improving ease of doing business, and enhancing India’s appeal as a destination for tourism, healthcare, and global trade. Sectors such as aviation and hospitality are likely to witness further growth due to improved travel experiences.

With its wide coverage spanning immigration posts and registration offices across the country, the programme continues to play a crucial role in strengthening governance while supporting economic expansion and employment generation.