Why in News
Union Cabinet approved extension of Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme (IVFRT) for five years till 2031 with ₹1800 crore budget outlay to modernise India’s immigration system and strengthen security.
What is IVFRT Scheme
• Centralised immigration management system
• Integrates visa issuance, immigration clearance and foreigner registration
• Implemented by Ministry of Home Affairs
• Managed by Bureau of Immigration
• Covers airports, seaports and land immigration posts
Background
• Approved in 2010
• Initial budget ₹1011 crore
• Aims to digitise immigration and visa processes
• Now extended to strengthen new immigration framework
Why Extension is Needed
1. New Immigration Law 2025
• Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 enacted
• Need for modernised immigration tracking
• Strengthening foreigner monitoring system
2. Rising Illegal Migration
• Tracking overstaying foreigners
• Monitoring visa misuse
• Addressing human trafficking networks
• Strengthening border management
3. Increasing International Travel
• Growth in tourism and business travel
• Need for faster immigration clearance
• Efficient passenger management
Key Features of IVFRT
• Online visa application system
• Biometric based identification
• Real time tracking of foreigners
• Integrated immigration database
• Automated alerts and risk assessment
• Contactless visa and immigration process
| [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1 There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2 A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 3 A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3 |
