Multiple Exit Visas?

I see!

So it sounds like I'll be stung for hundreds of pounds whenever I want to leave the country, until my visa extension is officially approved... except that probably won't happen until after I've left India for good anyway... and I can't apply for a new visa in the meantime?

Extensions at FRROs are given in one day *in theory*. This can take longer at FROs because they need an answer from Delhi. You haven't mentioned where you live so I imagine it's a place without FRRO status and that's why you're expecting a long delay. What has been the experience of other foreigners living there? How long do extensions generally take?

No, it's definitely an FRRO.

My understanding is something like... the FRRO can give you a three month extension, then they pass it off to someone else who approves an additional nine months, and then you go back again every year (up to four times) to get a twelve month re-extension. But I could be mistaken.

My only really worry right now is whether they going to charge me a fortune every time I try to leave the country. It must be a common scenario among people here on employment visas, if they don't let you renew your visa?

That 3-month, 9-month system is what used to happen here in Bangalore before it became a FRRO. But now extensions are usually given the same day, for a year at a time.

So as long as your case is straightforward and you're making the minimum salary and paying your taxes, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Well that's reassuring.