PM Modi announces five-year post-study work visa for Indian students studying masters in France

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Indian students doing their masters in France will now be given a five-year post-study work visa. Earlier, it was a two-year work-visa for Indian students doing masters in France.

Addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris, the prime minister said, “Earlier France used to give two-year post-study visa to Indian students, now Indian students will be given a five-year post-study work visa.”

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PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Paris. The prime minister will join president Macron for the French National Day, or Bastille Day, celebrations in Paris as the guest of honour.

During his address, the prime minister also highlighted the multi-faceted India-France Strategic Partnership, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. PM Modi also announced the opening of the new consulate in Marseille, France.

France is among the top study destinations for international students after the US, the UK, Germany, and Australia. As per the latest official data collected after COVID-19, there are around 6,000 Indian students in France in the 2021-2022 academic session with over 70% of its Indian students enrolled in management programmes.

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From Paris, PM Modi will go on an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates tomorrow, July 15. Saying that UAE will be hosting the 28th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP-28) later this year, PM Modi in a statement said: “I also look forward to exchanging views on strengthening global cooperation towards accelerating climate action to facilitate the energy transition and implementation of the Paris Agreement.”