♦ The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for another five years, from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031, with a total outlay of Rs.1,800 crore. The IVFRT platform is aimed at integrating and streamlining immigration, visa issuance, and foreigner registration processes in India through a secure, technology-driven framework. The move is part of the government’s broader push to modernise border management systems while ensuring ease of travel for legitimate visitors.

♦ Originally approved in 2010, the project has undergone multiple phases of expansion and extension. The latest approval comes in the backdrop of the recently enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which necessitates a more robust and responsive system to address evolving challenges such as illegal migration and increasing global mobility.