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The CFO shared it took him nearly 45 minutes to clear his immigration process in India but he was done with the same in 45 seconds in Singapore.
‘India Has Long Way To Go’: Hyderabad CFO Compares India’s Immigration With Singapore’s Quick Process; Internet Reacts
An Indian executive recently shared in a post that the immigration process that takes around 45 minutes in India was completed in just 45 seconds in Singapore. Taking to X, he shared a comparison of the processes in both countries, which resonated with several other travellers. Many shared similar frustrations over long queues and slow processing while others informed him about Fast Track Immigration programme.
Venkat Patakota, Group CFO of A-Sunmarine Engineering, detailed his recent travel experience to Singapore, criticising what he described as inefficient immigration and security procedures at Indian airports. He shared that he reached immigration counter in India at around 6:45 PM and got done with the process after 45 minutes.
“India Has Long Way To Go”
“Time taken at Indian immigration – 6.45 pm stood in the queue, around 75 people in the queue – just 2 officers. suddenly at 7.15 pm, 15 people jumped the lane mentioning their boarding closes at 7.45 pm. Finally completed immigration in 45 minutes,” he said.
The contrast, he claimed, was stark upon arriving in Singapore. “Singapore immigration – 30 Sec – scan passport and then facial recognition. No Security check !!” he added.
On his return journey, Patakota said Singapore’s departure immigration took just 45 seconds, including thumb impression verification. Back in India, however, he encountered another long queue of more than 100 passengers. He shared, “Lucky that my seat no is 8A, could clear in 15 minutes while 100 plus members in the queue again with 2 officers physically certifying. Security clearance, another 15 minutes.”
He also questioned what he described as unnecessary paperwork during the health declaration process. “Then today onwards, EBOLA health declaration. Did online submission, but wanted physical signature finally no one is there to check,” he said. Patakota further alleged that immigration officers appeared “indifferent” to the growing queues and claimed there was no higher authority available to address passenger concerns.
He remarked, “India has long, long way to go. Not seen much change in the last 2 years. You want to improve #tourism, then wake up.”
This weekWhile going to #SingaporeTime taken at Indian immigration – 6.45 pm stood in the queue, around 75 people in the queue – just 2 officers. suddenly at 7.15 pm, 15 people jumped the lane mentioning their boarding closes at 7.45 pm. Finally completed immigration in 45…
— Venkat Patakota (@PatakotaV) June 28, 2026
“Heard Of FTI-TTP?”
The post quickly gained attention, with many users, including the official X account of Hyderabad airport, responding to him to inform him about India’s new immigration facility. They said, “Dear Sir, we understand your concern. For a faster immigration experience on your future journeys, you may consider enrolling in the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP). Eligible Indian passport holders and OCI card holders can register at: ftittp.mha.gov.in/fti.”
“Clearly, you have not gone through London, CDG, Rome and US immigration. 45 minutes is a blessing – have spent 4 hours in London. One officer for 1000 arrivals. India is a breeze,” said one user.
Meanwhile, an individual highlighted, “Also, the requirement of manual security checks in India: we have to empty all the electronic gadgets and are subjected to physical checks, which are quite outdated; recently travelled through Johannesburg, Cape Town, DXB, Victoria Falls, and Addis Ababa, where these things aren’t required.”
“We like cumbersome. We do cumbersome better than anyone. Ease of business and transit makes us uneasy. The bureaucracy and red tape of the babu-dom of this country is flourishing under this government,” someone else remarked.
Another person quipped, “Agree 100 pct! We are sloppy! Security systems after immigration are with outdated equipment!”
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