Permits Foundation directors Katy van der Wilk and Michiel van Campen visited New Delhi recently for talks with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs and other key stakeholders. The aim of the visit was to discuss the Foundation’s proposal for spouse work authorisation, linked to an intra-corporate transfer visa. 

Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs indicates support for the proposal

As the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, had already indicated his support in principle at previous meetings, the focus was on discussions with key staff at the Ministry´s Foreigners Division, which is responsible for visa policy development. The Head of the Foreigners Division confirmed that while considering the proposal positively, recognising its favourable impact on doing business in India, they wanted to be assured that Indian spouses would be able to work under similar visa arrangements in other countries. They also wanted to have an estimate of the number of intra-corporate transferees in India, accompanied by spouses wanting to work, so that they could be assured that there would be no negative impact on the local labour market.

Immigration research covered 30 countries

The Ministry welcomed information Permits Foundation shared on 30 countries which allow spouses of all nationalities, including Indian nationals, to work under a variety of highly-skilled visa schemes, as well as estimates of the relatively small numbers involved.

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Permits Foundation undertook to provide more detailed information on the visa arrangements for spouses, and any criteria or conditions attached, in countries of most interest. Permits Foundation also reminded the Ministry that similar arrangements were sought for the spouses of staff in international organisations operating in India.   

Meetings with international companies in India, MPs and the Corps Diplomatique

During the visit, Permits Foundation organised a meeting with international companies in India to update them and seek their further support. They also arranged meetings with an employers’ organisation, a member of Parliament and the Corps Diplomatique. All agreed that allowing spouses to work would be a positive step for India to take. During the visit, the World Bank announced that India had risen 33 places to the 100th position in its ‘ease of doing business’ ranking of countries. F or Prime Minister Modi this was important news, reported in the national and international press. Permits Foundation will explore with the World Bank whether there is scope to add work authorisation of family members as a factor in its international ease of doing business ranking or investment climate reports. At the political level, Permits Foundation's proposal had already received support in principle from Minister Rijiju. The proposal will now be examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs Foreigners Division. Permits Foundation will continue to provide data as requested and engage further with relevant stakeholders. Read more about the visa and immigration work Permits Foundation does in India.For related news and features, visit our Immigration or India sections.Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory

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