Odisha will get a Global Visa Application Center in Bhubaneswar, easing visa services for students, professionals, tourists, and business travellers
OdishaPlus Bureau
In a significant decision responding to a long-standing public request, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has sanctioned the creation of a ‘Global Visa Application Center’ in Bhubaneswar. This initiative is expected to greatly ease international travel procedures for the state’s residents.
The planned visa center is set to function from the Babasaheb Ambedkar Bus Terminal building situated in Baramunda, a central area within the capital city. To ensure the effective operation of this new facility, the Odisha government will allocate approximately 3,000 square feet of space.
Previously, residents of Odisha, including students, professionals, business travelers, and tourists, had to journey to cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, or Hyderabad to fulfill essential visa-related tasks, which encompass application submission, biometric data collection, and document verification. This requirement often led to increased travel costs, time delays, and logistical challenges.
The new Global Visa Application Center will act as a facilitation point for processing visa applications for various countries through authorized service providers.
Officials are optimistic that the center will not only reduce the burden on applicants but also elevate Bhubaneswar’s status as a burgeoning urban and service center, in line with the state’s broader objectives for enhanced international connectivity and citizen-centric governance.
The Chief Minister’s Office indicated that the decision was made after taking into account the difficulties faced by citizens and the ongoing public demand for a local visa facility.