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COVID-19: India cancels most visas for foreign visitors until 15 April

Team SoOLEGAL 12 Mar 2020 4:49pm

COVID-19: India cancels most visas for foreign visitors until 15 April

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that all existing visas given to nationals of any foreign country will be suspended until April 15 in its latest travel advisory in the midst of coronavirus outbreak. However, it does not extend to diplomats, officials, international organizations, employment and project visas.

 The restriction will come into force from 13 March from 1200 GMT (6:30 AM) at the port of departure of any foreigner coming to India, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BoI).

Visa of foreigners already in India will continue to be valid, the Immigration Bureau added. Such foreign nationals may contact the nearest FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) /FRO (Foreigners Registration Office) through e-FRRO module in order to extend or convert their visas.

The visa-free travel facility given to holders of OCI cards is also to be suspended until April 15."Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact nearest Indian Mission for fresh visa," BoI said.

The BoI further  added, " all those who come or came from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, Spain and Germany would be quarantined for 14 days after February 15."

In addition to this, "International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated immigration check posts with robust medical screening facilities," BoI said.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has advised Indian nationals living abroad to avoid trips to India that are not necessary. They could be subjected to quarantine for a minimum duration of 14 days upon their return.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the COVID-19 outbreak pandemic. "WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we're deeply concerned, both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction. We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic." - WHO said in a press statement.

Coronavirus has spread around the world to over 100 countries. More than 124,000 were infected by the deadly virus, with more than 4,500 deaths. More than 60 people have been positively diagnosed from coronavirus in India.  China remains the worst affected nation, with more than 80,000 cases confirmed and more than 3,000 deaths.



Tagged: COVID-19   foreign visitors   visas   coronavirus   Bureau of Immigration   World Health Organization   Ministry of Health  
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