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Context

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 'Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme' (FTI-TTP) at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Friday.
• This initiative is designed to revolutionize the travel experience for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders by making it faster, easier, and more secure.
• The program represents a significant step towards modernizing India's immigration system and enhancing travel efficiency.

Key Details of the FTI-TTP

Objective

• Streamline Immigration Process: The FTI-TTP aims to make the immigration process more efficient and secure for pre-verified Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.
• This program is expected to reduce waiting times at immigration counters, thereby enhancing overall travel convenience.

Eligibility

• Who Can Apply: The program is open to Indian nationals and OCI cardholders who meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes individuals who have a clean record with immigration authorities and have provided accurate information during the application process.

Application Process

• Online Application: Applicants must submit their application online through the designated portal. This process involves filling out personal details, travel history, and other relevant information.
• Biometric Submission: As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit their biometrics, including fingerprints and facial images. This can be done at designated international airports in India or at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) following a scheduled appointment.
• Processing Fee:
• The fee for adults is Rs 2,000.
• The fee for minors is Rs 1,000.
• OCI cardholders are required to pay $100.

Biometric Registration

• Designated Locations: Biometric data must be submitted at specified international airports in India or at FRRO offices. This ensures that the data is securely captured and stored in the immigration database.

Membership Validity

• Duration: The membership for the FTI-TTP is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport's validity expires, whichever comes first. This ensures that the information remains current and secure.

Passport Requirement

• Minimum Validity: Applicants must have a passport with a minimum validity of six months at the time of application. This requirement ensures that travelers have sufficient passport validity for international travel.

Information Verification

• Residential Address: Providing a current residential address is mandatory. This is crucial for the verification process and helps avoid rejection of the application.
• Accuracy: Applicants must provide accurate information. False information or failure to capture biometrics can result in disqualification from the program.

Document Submission

• Required Documents: Applicants need to upload several documents, including:
• A passport-sized photograph.
• Scanned copies of relevant documents, including the first and last pages of the passport.
• Proof of address to verify the residential information provided.

Processing Fees

• Fee Structure:
• The processing fee for adult Indian nationals is Rs 2,000.
• For minors, the fee is Rs 1,000.
• OCI cardholders are required to pay a fee of $100.
• This program aims to significantly improve the efficiency and security of the immigration process for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders, contributing to a more seamless and hassle-free travel experience.
• The introduction of the FTI-TTP is expected to modernize India's immigration infrastructure, aligning it with global standards and enhancing the overall travel experience for its users.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which organization is responsible for releasing the World Investment Report? A) International Monetary Fund (IMF) B) World Bank C) World Trade Organization (WTO) D) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Answer: D) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

 SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH