On expat experts' visas, cos want a PLI encore for core
visa regime for expats — including those from China — on a par with that for companies in the 14 sectors under production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.
They cited project execution difficulties due to delays in processing visas for foreign experts, people aware of the issue told ET. This has emerged as a bottleneck amid signs of a pickup in private capital formation. The manufacturers have flagged these issues to their administrative ministries.
The idea is to have a streamlined visa process to address foreign manpower issues, as with PLI beneficiaries.
They suggested the creation of a special cell and a mechanism to ensure the timely issuance of visas for foreign experts as well as officials or engineers from overseas original equipment suppliers (OEMs).
Equipment & Expertise Worries
«Many project-critical activities such as power plant commissioning, flue gas desulfurisation installation and capital overhauling are getting delayed and affected due to delays in grant of visas for Chinese OEMs, contractors, engineers,» said a representative of the Association of Power Producers. The grouping represents more than 20 leading private power developers.
Companies are facing issues in machinery installation and component manufacturing without support from original suppliers, according to the industry.
India imported $53.8 billion of boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical machinery and equipment, among other project goods, in FY24, up 10% from the preceding year.
Another person said the
