Govt Clears ₹1,800 Cr Plan to Upgrade Immigration, Visa System till 2031
Push to modernise immigration, visa systems with advanced tech and stronger security
- Cabinet approves IVFRT scheme extension till March 2031
- ₹1,800 crore allocated for next phase
- Focus on tech upgrade, faster visa processing and security
- Scheme to boost tourism, business and international travel
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th March: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for another five years, extending it till March 31, 2031, with a financial outlay of ₹1,800 crore.
The decision aims to strengthen and modernise India’s immigration and visa ecosystem through advanced technologies while ensuring robust national security.
The IVFRT platform integrates key functions related to immigration, visa issuance and foreigner registration, providing a secure and streamlined service delivery system. The next phase will focus on adopting emerging technologies, upgrading core infrastructure and optimising service delivery.
According to the government, the scheme will introduce mobile-based services, self-service kiosks and unified digital platforms to ensure seamless and faster passenger movement across immigration checkpoints. It will also enhance infrastructure at Immigration Posts, Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) and data centres nationwide.
The system has already improved efficiency, with over 91% of e-visa applications being processed within 72 hours in recent years. Passenger clearance time at immigration counters has also reduced to around 2.5–3 minutes, while automated e-gates under the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme have cut processing time to nearly 30 seconds.
Officials said the upgraded framework will help facilitate legitimate travellers while strengthening mechanisms to tackle illegal migration and emerging security challenges, especially in light of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
The move is also expected to boost tourism, business travel and trade by improving ease of doing business and enhancing the overall travel experience in India.
With expanded coverage across over 100 immigration posts and hundreds of registration offices, the IVFRT system is positioned as a key pillar in India’s efforts to build a world-class, secure and efficient immigration infrastructure.
