India Opens New Visa Application Centers in Seattle and Bellevue

India Opens New Visa Application Centers in Seattle and Bellevue

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 17, 2024

The Indian Consulate in Seattle has launched new visa application centres in Seattle and Bellevue, providing full visa and passport services to individuals traveling to India. The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and State Representative Vandana Slatter.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who handed out the first Indian passport and visa at the event, praised the Indian community's contributions to strengthening ties between India and the USA. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, highlighted that the opening of these centres demonstrates the Indian government’s commitment to deepening relationships with the Pacific Northwest states.

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In addition to the Seattle centre, a drop-off facility in Bellevue has been established to make it easier for residents of the east side to access these services. Both centres are managed by VFS Global, the official visa services partner for the Indian government, ensuring efficient and streamlined processes for applicants.

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These centres will benefit the large Indian diaspora in the consular jurisdiction, covering nine Pacific Northwestern states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Consul General Gupta emphasized that these facilities aim to provide a convenient and efficient experience for all consular applicants.

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The Seattle centre is equipped with modern amenities to offer a superior application experience. VFS Global has been a trusted partner of the Indian government since 2008, handling services like visa applications, OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India), passport services, and more. Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of VFS Global, expressed excitement about expanding their partnership with the Indian government and enhancing customer experience.

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The opening of these centres follows the inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Seattle in November 2023. Consul General Gupta stated that providing smooth and efficient consular services is a top priority and welcomed feedback from applicants to further improve their operations.

With these new centres, the Indian Consulate aims to make the visa application process more accessible and convenient, thereby supporting the travel and consular needs of the Indian community in the greater Seattle area.

Image Credit: indiainseattle.gov.in


Situ Unveils New Global Headquarters in Exeter to Support Expansion

Situ Unveils New Global Headquarters in Exeter to Support Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Situ has officially unveiled its new global headquarters in Exeter, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey.

Founded in 2008, Situ has steadily expanded its footprint as a worldwide provider of serviced accommodation solutions. The company originally relocated to its current Exeter site in 2018, but continued growth soon outpaced the building’s capacity. Seizing the opportunity to expand within the same footprint, Situ undertook an ambitious redevelopment project, resulting in a transformed, purpose-built two-storey headquarters that now offers more than double the original space.

The newly unveiled office follows an extensive eighteen-month development programme and has been thoughtfully designed to support modern ways of working. The layout balances collaboration and focus, with open-plan workspaces complemented by smaller seating areas for informal discussions and individual productivity.

A key highlight of the headquarters is its central atrium, a dynamic, tiered space equipped with a large screen and balcony. This multifunctional hub is designed to host company-wide meetings, facilitate hybrid collaboration with global teams, and serve as a venue for community and industry events.

The workspace also incorporates extensive greenery, enhancing air quality while creating a calming and visually engaging environment. The design reflects Situ’s emphasis on employee wellbeing, creativity, and connection.

Sharing his thoughts, Phil Stapleton said, “As our global footprint continues to grow, this space gives our entire team the environment they deserve to collaborate, create, and support our clients around the world. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to see what comes next.”

Beyond internal use, the new headquarters has been designed as a welcoming hub for clients, partners, and industry stakeholders. Situ plans to host learning sessions, industry discussions, and community-led events at the facility, further strengthening its position within the serviced accommodation sector.

With a presence spanning over 144 countries, Situ continues to combine advanced technology with a human-centric hospitality approach, delivering tailored extended-stay solutions to organisations worldwide. The launch of its new global headquarters reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustained global growth.


ROOH San Francisco Unveils Special Menu for Restaurant Week 2026

ROOH San Francisco Unveils Special Menu for Restaurant Week 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 16, 2026

ROOH San Francisco is set to present a specially curated menu for Restaurant Week 2026, offering guests a unique dining experience that brings together Indian flavours with a modern global touch. The menu has been designed by Executive Chef Ashish Tiwari, known for his approach of blending traditional recipes with contemporary techniques.

Created as a multi-course experience, the menu takes guests through a range of textures and flavours, starting with a refined amuse bouche and ending with a modern Indian dessert. Each course has been thoughtfully put together to reflect both creativity and a strong connection to regional influences.

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The meal begins with the Avocado Treat, featuring a crisp phyllo shell filled with avocado chaat, along with tamarind chutney, yogurt, and fresh herbs. For starters, guests can choose between the Beirut Mezze Chaat, which brings together Middle Eastern and Indian street food elements, or the Pondicherry Shrimp Malai, a coastal-inspired dish with shrimp in a coconut-based curry.

For the main course, the menu offers dishes like Broccoli & Cauliflower Rezala, prepared in a light cashew-yogurt gravy, and Methi Malai Chicken, where chicken is cooked in a rich fenugreek cream sauce. These dishes are served with accompaniments such as Rooh daal, saffron rice, garlic naan, and plain naan, completing the experience with familiar flavours.

To end the meal, guests can enjoy the Blueberry Rasmalai Cake, a modern take on a classic dessert that combines cardamom sponge, saffron-infused cream, and a blueberry finish.

Sharing his thoughts on the menu, Chef Tiwari said, "This menu is a celebration of global influences interpreted through an Indian lens. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a memorable dining experience that resonates with both tradition and innovation."


Japan Plans Major Increase in Visa Renewal and Residency Fees

Japan Plans Major Increase in Visa Renewal and Residency Fees

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 15, 2026

Japan is planning a significant increase in visa renewal and permanent residency fees for foreign residents, as part of proposed changes under the Immigration Control Act. The move is aimed at revising existing fee structures in line with current administrative needs.

According to reports, the revised structure will apply across visa categories, including long-term stays and permanent residency permits. The proposal has been submitted by the Cabinet, which has suggested higher fee limits while allowing flexibility in final pricing.

Under the new plan, renewing a five-year visa could cost around 70,000 yen, compared to the current flat fee of 6,000 yen for in-person renewals. Short-term visa renewals of three months or less are expected to be priced at about 10,000 yen.

The most notable change is in permanent residency fees, which may increase to around 200,000 yen, a sharp rise from the current 10,000 yen. The government has also proposed setting maximum fee caps of 300,000 yen for permanent residency and 100,000 yen for other visa categories. Final charges will be decided through official directives within these limits.

Officials have stated that provisions will continue for individuals facing financial hardship, with possible fee reductions or exemptions available in such cases.

The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to update immigration-related policies in Japan, as the government looks to balance administrative requirements with evolving regulatory frameworks.

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