Frequent visitors to India from Kuwait, both Kuwaiti nationals as well as expatriates residing in Kuwait, are strongly advised to take 5-year or 1-year, multiple entry Business visas to India. The Indian Passport and Visa Service Provider, M/s Cox & Kings Services (CKGS), Kuwait has been providing visa services to Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates in Kuwait through their three centres- Sharq (City), Fahaheel and Abbasiya (Jleeb Al Showaikh)  as well as passport services to Indian community. The above centre functions from 8 AM - 12 noon and thereafter from 4 PM - 8 PM on all working days. However, on closed holidays on Fridays and Saturdays, the working hours are from 4 PM -8 PM only. Attestation services are provided at the Embassy premises only.

2.       Visas issued has increased during the last two years due to streamlining of visa procedures, with grant of 5-year and 1-year business visas (multiple entry) and 6- month tourist visas (multiple entry) to Kuwaiti nationals (as well as foreign nationals resident in Kuwait). All those travelling to India regularly are advised to apply for tourist visa (6-month multiple entry) or long-term business visa (5-year or 1-year, multiple entry). All visas are granted within 72 hours. Visa fee structure for Kuwaiti nationals is as below:

Visa fees for Kuwaiti nationals

[Exclusive of service charge of KD 3.250 by CKGS, Kuwait and KD 1.000 for ICWF by the Embassy]

(i)    Tourist visa : 6- months/ Multiple entry                            - KD 13.00
(ii)   Business visa : 1- year/ Multiple entry                             - KD 38.00
(iii)   Business visa : 5- years/ multiple entry                           -  KD 63.00
(iv)   Transit visa : 15 -days single/double entry                      -  KD 07.00

(v)    Student visa : 1- years /Triple entry                                 - KD 24.00
(vi)   Medical visa : 1- year /Multiple entry                                - KD 38.00

(vii)  Medical Visa : 6- Month/Multiple entry                              - KD 25.00

(viii) Employment visa: upto 1- year/Multiple entry                   - KD 38.00

3.       As the visa work of the Embassy has been outsourced to M/s CKGS, Kuwait since August 2014, applicants are advised to visit Passport and Visa Centres of CKGS at (a) Indian Visa and Passport Application Centre, 17 Floor, Behbahani Building, Sharq, Kuwait : Tel. No. 22440392 (e- mail: indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com)or ; (b) Indian Visa and Passport Application Centre, Complex Kais Alghanim, 4 Floor, Mecca Street, in front of Annod Complex, Fahaheel, Kuwait: Tel. No. 22909229 ( e-mail: indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com). (c) Jleeb Al Showaikh (Abbasiya)  2nd Floor,Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Block 1,Street 1, Xcite building, Kuwait Tel. No. 24342428) ( e-mail: indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com). The website of CKGS, Kuwait is https://www.kw.ckgs.in/

4.       In emergency cases, the Embassy will also accept the visa applications at its Visa Wing from applicants. Mr Arvind Srivastava, Visa Officer may be contacted at Tel. No. 22550600 Extn. 279 and for passport related queries applicants may call Mr. K.K. Pahel, First Secretary (Consular) at Mobile No. 97229948. Fee structure for passport is as below:

[Exclusive of service charge of KD 3.250 by CKGS, Kuwait and KD 1.000 for ICWF by the Embassy]

(i)           New Passport for 10 years validity                         23.000

(ii)          Jumbo Passport (60 pages)                                   31.000

(iii)        New Passport for Minor below 18 years                  15.500

(iv)        New Passport in Lieu of Damage/Lost Passport      46.000

(v)         Passport for New Born Baby                                  31.000

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On the initiative taken by Government of India, the United Nations has declared 21^st June as the INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY. As part of its celebrations, Embassy of India celebrated the First International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June 2015 which witnessed great amount of enthusiasm from people of all walks of life.

2.      The Embassy is pleased to inform that 2^nd International day of Yoga will be celebrated on Friday, 24 June 2016 at the Embassy premises from 0600 hours onwards. In the run up to the 2^nd IDY celebrations, Embassy is organizing a ‘Yoga session’ at the Circle of Peace, Al-Shaheed Park, Kuwait City on Friday, 8 April 2016 from 0700-0930 hrs.  The event is organised in association with the ‘Art of Living’, ‘Harmony House’ ‘Artistic Yoga’, ‘Isha Foundation’ and ‘Sahaj Marg’, all based in Kuwait. Different Yoga Asanas will be performed which will be followed by meditation and Pranayam sessions. All are therefore cordially invited to register themselves at https://www.indembkwt.org/IYD/

3.      Please bring in your Yoga mats and enjoy the festivities of Yoga with your family and friends and feel rejuvenated. Kindly note that no eatables are allowed inside the Park.

Main points made during Hon’ble PM’s address at the World Sufi Forum, New Delhi, on 17 March  2016

1.         Ninety nine names of Allah

            These are 99 names of Allah, none stand for force and violence. Allah is Rahman and Raheem. Sufism is the voice of peace, co-existence, compassion, equality & a call to universal brotherhood. As India became a principal center of Islamic civilization, our nation also emerged as one of the most vibrant hubs of Sufism. Sufism became the face of Islam in India, even as it remained deeply rooted in the Holy Quran and Hadis.

2.         Muslim Leaders of India

            The tallest of our leaders, such as Maulana Azad, and important spiritual leaders, such as Maulana Hussain Madani and millions of ordinary citizens rejected the idea of division on the basis of religion. Now, India is moving forward as a united nation on the strength of its diversity. All our people, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, the micro-minority of Parsis, believers, non-believers, are an integral part of India.  Today Sufism from India has spread across the world.

3.         Terrorism and Development

            Every year, over 100 billion dollars are spent on securing the world from terrorism. This money should have been spent on building lives of the poor. Terrorism uses diverse motivations and causes, none of which can be justified. Terrorists distort a religion whose cause they profess to support. The fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion. It is a struggle between the values of humanism and the forces of humanity. Diversity is a basic reality of Nature and the source of richness of a society. It should not be a cause of misunderstanding.

VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION OF YOGA PROFESSIONALS

            At the initiative of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, a scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals has been launched by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturuopathy, Unani, Sidha & Homeopathy) to spread the traditional knowledge of India by assuring quality of Yoga Practices across the world. The Ministry of AYUSH in the wake of declaration of International Day of Yoga has identified Quality Council of India (QCI) to develop a scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals since QCI has expertise in developing such quality based on the best international practices.

2.        The objective of the scheme is to certify Yoga Professionals which will evaluate four levels of competence ie: Yoga Instructor, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Master and Yoga Acharya. The scheme is being launched by the Ministry of AYUSH and implemented by Quality Council of India. Yoga stands for harmony & peace. The aim of the scheme is to specify the competence requirements in terms of knowledge and skills to be complied by the Yoga professionals in the form of Competence Standard. It also aims to define the process of evaluation and certification in laying down requirements for competence and operation of assessment of bodies through Accredition after creating awareness about the launch of the scheme by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.   

3.        For further details about the scheme please log on to yogacertification.qci.org.in     

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The Government of India has decided to extend the date for submission of the application for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder by the erstwhile Persons of Indian Origin cardholders  till 30 June 2016.

Scholarship programme for Diaspora Children

This scheme was introduced by the Government of India in the academic year 2006-07. The Scheme provide for assistance to the wards of Persons of Indian Origin (OIC) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for pursuing Under Graduate courses in Indian University/Institutes. The scheme is being implemented by Educational Consultants India Limited (EDCIL) under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (GOI) as  A Nodal Agency. Financial assistance is administered by MOIA through EDCIL.

2.         Under the Scheme 100 scholarships upto US$ 4,000 per annum are granted to the students in the age group of 17 to 21 years from 40 selected countries that have substantial Indian Diaspora population, for the courses in different fields (except medical and related courses) both professional and non-professional in Engineering/Technology, Humanities/Liberal Arts, Commerce, Management, Journalism, Hotel Management, Agriculture/Animal Husbandry etc.

3.         The assistance is provided in the form of financial assistance, primarily towards tuition fee, admission fee and post admission services. The assistance is provided to NRI candidates subject to the condition that the total monthly income of the candidate does not exceed an amount equivalent to US$ 2,250 (US Dollar two thousand two hundred and fifty only). The declaration is given by the candidate duly countersigned by the parent/guardian. However, there is no income limit for the PIO candidates.

Indian Exporters To Showcase Their Mettle At

‘The Kuwait International Trade Fair’ from 21-27 February 2016

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), New Delhi with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, New Delhi and in association with the Embassy of India, Kuwait is organizing an “INDIA PAVILION” at ‘The Kuwait International Trade Fair’, an International Trade Exhibition organized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Kuwait, at the Kuwait International Fair Ground (Hall 6), Mishref, Kuwait from 21-27 February 2016.  H.E. Mr. Sunil Jain, Ambassador of India to Kuwait will inaugurate the India Pavilion on 21 February 2016.

2.         The “India Pavilion” at ‘The Kuwait International Trade Fair’ would provide an excellent platform for networking and one-to-one business meetings with potential customers. 11 leading companies from India are participating in the “India Pavilion”. These companies are showcasing a wide range of products including Marble Handicrafts, Brass Handicrafts, Wood Handicrafts, Paintings, Handicrafts Products, Imitation Jewellery, Plastic Molded Furniture (Chairs; Tables, Cabinet, Chesters, Kids Furniture), Zari Work Table Covers, Purses, Cosmetics, Decorative, Fancy Items, Batik, Block Print & Stitching on Sari, Salwar Kurti, Clothing, Shawls, Scarves, Stoles, Ladies Woven Embroidery Tops, Dresses, Skirts, Stoles, Garments, Home Furnishings, etc.

3.         The event is open to the public from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm on all days of the Fair except on Friday, 26 February 2016, the timings will be from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Embassy cultural evening by Imran khan

Embassy of India in coordination with NCCAL requests the  pleasure  of your company with family, relatives & friends

at the function of Indian cultural evening by Qawwali Group led by Mr. Imran Khan

on Wednesday the 9th March  2016 at 1900 hrs (7.00 PM)

at Dasma Theatre (Opposite Dasma Cooperative)

R.S.V.P.

Telephone/Fax: 22546958/22531716/97229914

E-mail:    ambss@indembkwt.org

   ssinfo@indembkwt.org

   sspic@indembkwt.org

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VIDYA LAKSHMI PORTAL

            “Vidya Lakshmi Portal” has been launched on 15th August 2015 by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi. Under this scheme, any Indian student can apply for educational loan online by browsing on www.vidyalakshmi.co.in. The main purpose of this portal is to have facilities of education loan, scholarship and other student friendly facilities through one link. Students can apply from his/her home, Institution, kiosk or Cyber café. The portal is linked with “Centre for Good Governance National-e-Scholarship Portal: www.scholarships.gov.in. Students can also apply for scholarship. Besides, a good number of student-friendly schemes are also mentioned in the portal. Students can apply, view and track their education loan application to banks anytime by accessing the Portal which would be useful for students, parents, institutions, bankers, employers, researchers etc.

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 2016-India Fellows Programme at Indian School of Business Hyderabad

As a part of the drive to India Connect Initiative, OIFC (Overseas India Facilitation Centre) is scheduled to launch “The India Fellows Programme” in June 2016. This is open to young Indian Diaspora entrepreneurs/professionals in decision making capacity/potential investors and international partners of Indian companies (between 21-39 years of age) who have a minimum of 3 years of entrepreneurial experience. The programme is being offered at a special introductory fee of US $ 5,000 per participant plus service tax. The fee will cover boarding, lodging, programme related learning material, field visits & webinars. The participants will have to bear the cost of travel and local conveyance.

2.        Selected candidates who complete the programme shall become members of the OIFC India Entrepreneurship Fellows (OIEF) Club, will receive support and facilitation from OIFC for doing business in India. The main objective of this scheme is to help Diaspora entrepreneurs to have an understanding of aspects critical to gaining market entry, practical insights about doing business with India, idea of the legal & regulatory environment, exposure to Indian economy and an insight into the emerging opportunities of the world’s fastest growing economy. All those who are interested can remain in touch with OIFC pertaining to their initiatives and programmes through their social media platforms given below:

Twitter: @OIFCIndia and CEO_OIFC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OIFC.IN

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2016-India Fellows Programme at Indian School of Business Hyderabad

As a part of the drive to India Connect Initiative, OIFC (Overseas India Facilitation Centre) is scheduled to launch “The India Fellows Programme” in June 2016. This is open to young Indian Diaspora entrepreneurs/professionals in decision making capacity/potential investors and international partners of Indian companies (between 21-39 years of age) who have a minimum of 3 years of entrepreneurial experience. The programme is being offered at a special introductory fee of US $ 5,000 per participant plus service tax. The fee will cover boarding, lodging, programme related learning material, field visits & webinars. The participants will have to bear the cost of travel and local conveyance. A brief note issued by OIFC in this regard is enclosed.

2.        Selected candidates who complete the programme shall become members of the OIFC India Entrepreneurship Fellows (OIEF) Club, will receive support and facilitation from OIFC for doing business in India. The main objective of this scheme is to help Diaspora entrepreneurs to have an understanding of aspects critical to gaining market entry, practical insights about doing business with India, idea of the legal & regulatory environment, exposure to Indian economy and an insight into the emerging opportunities of the world’s fastest growing economy. All those who are interested can remain in touch with OIFC pertaining to their initiatives and programmes through their social media platforms given below:

Twitter: @OIFCIndia and CEO_OIFC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OIFC.IN

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Celebration of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas  2016

            The 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) was celebrated in Kuwait on 9 January 2016 in Embassy Auditorium from 1600 hrs – 1900 hrs. The event was well attended with the presence of over 300 Indian nationals. Ambassador provided basic data regarding Embassy’s consular, passport, visa, community welfare services rendered to the Indian community during 2015. Several speakers spoke on issues concerning Indian Diaspora in Kuwait.

2.         Major achievements in bilateral ties during 2015 have been the following:

·        Illegal flow of Indian female domestic workers stopped;

·        Recruitment of Indian nurses streamlined through 3 State Manpower Recruitment Agencies; viz. NORKA, ODEPC & OMCL;

·        Trade & Investment: During last 2 years, Indian EPC companies viz  L&T, Shapoorji Pallonji, ESSAR, DODSAL and Simplex and Kalpataru Transmission  got major contracts worth $ 6 billion.In December 2015, an announcement with regard to Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)’s investment of US$300 million in GMR Infrastructure Limited was made;   

·        Air Connectivity: Kuwait Airways now operating daily flights to New Delhi as well as started flights to Ahmadabad and Bengaluru;

·        FE remittancesto India:  US$4.8 billion sent to India from Kuwait; and

·        Indian community in Kuwait grew by 5-6% during 2015.

3.         The comparative chart of services rendered by Embassy during the calendar year 2015, vis-à-vis 2014, is given below:

4.         In 2015, Embassy Auditorium was used for 48 socio-cultural events by various Indian Associations in Kuwait. There are 204 Indian associations now registered with the Embassy.

5.         Various suggestions to improve services (for example, voting rights for NRIs, Aadhar Card, greater assistance to 3 lakh Indian nationals in domestic sector, cheaper air-tickets) have been noted for consideration/implementation.

Flag Hoisting Ceremony on 26 January 2016

On the occasion of 67th Republic Day of India, a Flag hoisting ceremony will be held in the Embassy Premises at 0900 hours on Tuesday, 26 January 2016, followed by reading of the message of the Hon’ble President of India and a cultural programme including singing of patriotic songs.

 An Open House reception will follow during which tea, snacks, soft drinks etc shall be served to all. All Indian nationals in Kuwait are most cordially invited to attend the Republic Day celebrations and should reach the venue by 0830 hours.