Can I change my Business Visa to a Work Visa whilst in India?

I am being told by one agent that I need to return to the UK to apply for the work visa there and then re-enter India with that passport, then register with FFRO within 14 days.

This seems a huge expense and a major waste of time to get a Visa. (will need to be in Uk for at least a week to sort this)

Is this advice correct or has anyone managed to get a work Visa sorted whilst here?

Thanks

Hi Nobbie,

Your agent is right. You cannot covert a business visa in to an employmewnt visa whilst staying here. Even extension of an employment visa in India is a tedious process and involves lot of procedures and have to deal with local FRRO authorities, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi and yet the positive outcome is not guaranteed.

Hence its advisable to go to your home country and get an employment visa.

Raghu

Raghu is right, you cannot get an employment visa in India, only from your own country.

To be granted an employment visa, the authorities have to be satisfied that the job cannot be done by a local, so of course most jobs which would qualify for a foreigner to get an employment visa would in any case be advertised internationally. Presumably you have some special skill set which is not available locally?

You also need to be aware that it is not a "work visa" which just allows you to work in India, it is a visa that covers you for one particular employment - if you get another job you have to return to your home country and make a fresh application.