India, Germany agree for a hotline to resolve visa issues

India, 12th October: Both India and Germany have decided to resolve visa issues concerning business men of the two nations through setting up of a hotline service.

This was informed by Anand Sharma, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister. The agreement was made during the meeting between Sharma and Rainer Bruderle, Germany’s Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, last week.

Speaking about the agreement, Sharma said that both the nations have agreed to have a hotline service between the two nations for addressing all issues concerning movement of business leaders or professionals. The focal person to be entrusted with this hotline service between the two nations has already been identified who will be responsible for dealing with issues of business visas for both the nations.

A large number of Indian enterprises face difficulties in getting Germany visas and Germany work permits for working there. And such problems hinder the economic relations between India and Germany, stated Pranab Mukherjee, the Indian Finance Minister.

Solving the problems in the process of Germany business visas and Germany work permits faced by Indian businessmen will help in promoting bilateral trade between Germany and India.

Germany visa rules were considered quite tough by several officials of Indian government in Germany who said it was difficult to get their families to Germany. Similarly, several German companies complained of problems in receiving Indian business visas, Mr. Bruderle stated.

Hence, the agreement for such a hotline service is being seen as a step towards getting an answer to all such visa issues.

Apart from resolving of visa issues between the two nations, the agreement also focused on increasing collaborations between the nations in infrastructure, innovation, renewable energy, skill training, life sciences, defence manufacturing, energy IT and economic research.

Sharma briefed about the discussions regarding concerns on protectionism adding that India feels committed to work closely for finalizing of broad-based agreement for opening trade and investment. He talked of fast tracking negotiations on India-EU Free Trade Agreement which has already been delayed since long.

The talks between the two ministers will be concluded by December this year as both are expected to meet in Brussels.