Lost ₹664 Crores: The Cost of Increased Visa Rejections for Indians in 2024
This shift in visa policies and the resultant spike in rejections post-pandemic underline the challenges faced by Indian travelers.
A recent Mint analysis has revealed a concerning trend for Indian travelers: a significant increase in the rejection rates of visitor visas to several countries post-pandemic. This surge in denials has led to Indians collectively losing about ₹664 rupees in 2024 due to visa rejections. Among the countries with tightened visa policies resulting in more rejections are Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the UAE. This shift marks a noticeable change from past practices, particularly when compared to visa approval rates back in 2019.
Interestingly, the United States is the exception to this trend, having approved a higher percentage of visas for Indians in 2024 compared to 2019. Whereas 28 percent of Indian visa applications were rejected by the US in 2019, this figure dropped to 16 percent in 2024. This contrast highlights a divergent approach to visa approvals compared to other nations, which have become more stringent.
The data further breaks down the rejection rates by country, showcasing a troubling picture for Indian applicants. In 2024, New Zealand turned away 32.5 percent of Indian visa applicants, Australia declined 29.3 percent, the UK denied 17 percent, and the Schengen area rejected 15.7 percent. Additionally, the UAE saw an increase in its rejection rate for Indian visas, reaching 6 percent last year.
This shift in visa policies and the resultant spike in rejections post-pandemic underline the challenges faced by Indian travelers. The financial implications are significant, with the lost visa fees amounting to a substantial sum. The tightening of visa regulations by countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the UAE reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and selectiveness in the post-pandemic world.
In conclusion, the analysis by Mint paints a clear picture of the evolving landscape of international travel for Indians. With the exception of the United States, which has seen a decrease in visa rejections, other popular destinations have adopted stricter policies, leading to a higher rate of denied visa applications. This trend underscores the importance of understanding and navigating the complexities of international visa requirements for Indian travelers.