Handicrafts sector has been exempted from minimum salary condition (Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum) for grant of employment visa to foreign designer for a period of 2 years i.e. till 30.06.2020. EPCH has sought the intervention of Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles for getting the exemption from the minimum salary condition for grant of employment visa to foreign designers. The Hon’ble Minister’s prompt action has helped the sector obtain the exemption, which would help the handicrafts exporters hire international designers from across the globe as per their requirement.
OP Prahladka, Chairman-EPCH, hailing the decision said, “The inputs of the skilled international designers would help drive innovations, new product developments and traditional craft material processing in this sector.” Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director-EPCH said, “The sector is a dynamic sector with the requirement of regular product and design development so as to keep pace with the changing trends and preferences of the overseas buying community. This exemption would go a long way in helping Indian handicrafts exporters availing the services of international designers and utilise their expertise, experience and skill to produce products in sync with international trends.
The exports of handicrafts during the latest period April- May 2018-19 have registered a growth of 3.05 per cent in Rupee terms and stands at Rs. 3782 cr. However, in dollar terms there is a marginal decline 0.23 per cent with exports of $568 mn.
