Extension of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for five years from April 2026 to March 2031 with an outlay of ₹1,800 crore.

IVFRT Scheme

¨   Launched in 2010, the IVFRT Scheme aims to interlink and optimise functions related to immigration, visa issuance and registration of foreigners in India.

¨     Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs

¨    The latest extension aligns with the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and Rules to address illegal migration.

Important Aspects of the Scheme

¨     Integrated Digital Platform: It provides a centralised online system connecting Indian Missions abroad, Immigration Check Posts (ICPs), Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) and State Police and security agencies.

¨  Security and Monitoring: The IVFRT System enhances the real-time tracking of foreign nationals, data sharing among security agencies and strengthening of internal security.

¨   Technology-Driven Governance: The scheme integrates advanced technologies like biometrics, self-service kiosks, and mobile-based platforms to enable a faceless and contactless visa processing system.

¨     Operational Efficiency: The system has already enabled 100% contactless and faceless visa process, with 91.24% of e-visas cleared within 72 hours, and has reduced the average manual clearance time at immigration posts to 2.5–3 minutes.

¨     Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP): Implemented at 13 Major airports through automated e-gates, reducing the time taken for immigration clearance from 2.5-3 minutes to 30 seconds. It is currently only available for Indian nationals & OCI cardholders.

¨     Ease of Doing Business: Convenience and security assurance have been made possible by the IVFRT System, leading to huge benefits to tourism, business, trade & commerce, service industry, especially the aviation and hospitality industry.