Effective immediately, Israeli Consulates in India may issue, at their discretion, long-term B-2 visitor and multiple entry visas for Indian business people for a period of up to five (5) years, with up to a 90-day maximum period of stay for each trip.
The new regulation aims to encourage and develop business relations between India and Israel—specifically, Indian companies and their employees seeking to expand business operations in Israel. Qualified candidates are “participating in business meetings, engaging in negotiations, investing in local businesses, attending conferences and/or conducting market research.” However, individuals performing mostly standard occupational functions during the standard course of employment are not eligible for this visa benefit.
Applications should apply at an Israeli Consulate located in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. The sponsoring company must be registered in the Indian Company Registry and active for at least 6 months before applying for the visitor’s visa.