Answer
In the event of a foreign national availing short duration visas such as Conference Visa, Transit visa, e-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival while already having a long duration visa for India like multiple entry Tourist/ Business/ Employment/ Student/ Research Visas, the long duration visas will not get cancelled. In such cases, while granting the short duration visa like Conference Visa/ Transit Visa, the Indian Mission/ Post concerned may keep the long duration visa on hold for the period of the short duration visa. The status of holding of long duration visa of the foreigner shall be reflected in the Central Database of IVFRT. In case the foreigner is availing e-Visa or Visa-on-Arrival, the Immigration authorities may keep the long duration visa on hold for the period of the short duration visa, which shall be reflected in Central Database of IVFRT. The long duration visa will remain on hold for the period for which the short duration visa is valid. On expiry of the validity of the short duration visa, the main visa (long duration visa) will automatically become ‘UNHOLD’ and the same will be reflected in the Central Database.
A foreign national intending to attend an International Conference/ seminar/ workshop while already in India on Business/ Employment / Student/ Research visa may seek prior permission of the FRRO/ FRO concerned by making a suitable application along with all relevant details. However, in respect of cases falling within the parameters of Prior reference categories, such permission shall be granted by FRRO/ FRO concerned only with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.