More Indians are now welcomed abroad as several host countries provide visa-on-arrival facility

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<strong>The Indian government has been continually making efforts to increase the number of countries that may provide visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities to Indian nationals.</strong></p>
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This was stated by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in Rajya Sabha on Thursday while replying to a question on India's drop to 70th position this year, as compared to its 2020 rank of 61st position, in the Passport Power Index.<br />
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The government was also asked if exempting Canada and the United Kingdom from granting e-visa as a reciprocating move will help India's economy and improve its ranking globally in terms of Passport Power Index.<br />
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Muraleedharan, in his reply, said there are certain private institutions which publish such Passport rankings based on parameters decided by them.<br />
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The minister highlighted that in 2014, there were 35 countries providing Visa-on-Arrival facilities to Indian nationals which has now increased to 40 countries. In addition, 16 countries provide Visa-free entry and 35 countries provide e-Visa facilities to Indian nationals.<br />
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"While issuance of visa and visa related process is a sovereign decision of the respective country, the matter regarding easier and liberalised visa policy, including e-Visa scheme, depends on several factors, including the principle of reciprocity," he said in his reply. </p>
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<strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/economy-news/seven-airports-in-india-now-ready-to-bring-in-digi-yatra-biometric-boarding-system-135599.html">Seven airports in India now ready to bring in Digi Yatra biometric boarding system</a> </strong></p>