French visa for Indians in 48 hours

French President Francois Hollande has informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his government’s decision to implement a scheme to issue visa for Indians within 48 hours, besides allowing Indian students to stay on for two more years after completing courses here.

The post-study facility for Indian students to gain professional experience was closed in Britain in 2012, which saw a major reduction in students going to there.

The facility in France is expected to lead to some increase in the number of Indian students here.

An agreement was signed that the post-study facility would be extended to students from both countries: Indians going to France and French students coming to study at Indian institutions.

“Under this arrangement, Indian post-graduate students shall be allowed the benefit of two years special residence permit in France and 250 French students would be permitted a maximum of two years in India under the VIE Scheme of France to join French companies operating in India,” the joint statement issued on Friday said.

The statement said France welcomed India’s decision to extend Tourist Visa on Arrival – Electronic Travel Authorisation (TVOA-ETA) to France.

A significant agreement was signed between India’s department of biotechnology and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) to establish a National Institute of Marine Biology and Biotechnology in India.

The two countries signed 17 agreements on Friday.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin also confirmed the decision  to implement the scheme for Indian tourists via a tweet.

“France informs India of decision to implement a scheme for expedited 48 hours visa issuance for Indian tourists,” he tweeted.

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