News
India in self-isolation; suspends visas puts OCI holders in abeyance
- March 12, 2020
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India has suspended all visas for one month till 15 April 2020 in a bid to avoid the risk of a mass-spread of COVID-19 in the sub-continent. As reported by the Economic Times, the suspension will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13 at the port of departure and comes at a time when the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the new coronavirus as a pandemic. The decision was taken at the meeting of group of ministers held here under the chairmanship of Union Health Minister.
- All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till April 15th 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian Mission.
- All incoming travelers, including Indians, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15th Feb, 2020 shall be quarantined.
- Incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, are advised to avoid non-essential travel and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.
- Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. On their return, they can be subjected to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.
- International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with robust screening facilities. These will be notified separately by ministry of Home Affairs.
