India Cancels all Visas till 15th April due to Coronavirus

Coronavirus has spread to more than 100 countries worldwide. The virus affected more than 124,000 people, with more than 4,500 deaths.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said, in its latest travel advice amid the coronavirus outbreak, that all current visas issued to citizens of any country will remain on hold until April 15. However, this will not apply to diplomats, officials, United Nations / international organizations and employees. And project visas.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, this ban will take effect from 1200 GMT (6:30 a.m.) on March 13 at the port of departure of any foreigner who comes to India.

The Bureau of Immigration  Office added that the visa for foreigners already in India will remain valid. These foreign nationals can contact the nearest FRRO (Regional Office for the Registration of Foreigners) / FRO (Office for the Registration of Foreigners) through the thee-FRRO unit to extend or transfer their visas.

The OCI visa-free travel facility will be suspended until April 15. "Any foreign citizen who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons will have to contact the nearest Indian mission to obtain a new visa," he said.



The Investment Board also added: "All travelers from China, Italy, Iran, the Republic of Korea, France, Spain, and Germany will be isolated on or after February 15, 2020, for at least 14 days."

Furthermore, the FBI said: "The international movement across land borders will be limited to specific immigration checkpoints with strong medical examination facilities."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advised Indian citizens living abroad to avoid unnecessary travel to India. Upon return, they can be quarantined for at least 14 days.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday called the epidemic a COVID-19 outbreak. "The WHO is evaluating this outbreak and is deeply concerned, both by prevalence levels and alarming levels and alarmingly low levels of inaction. Therefore, we have assessed that COVID-19 can be described as a pandemic " The World Health Organization said in a press release.

Coronavirus has spread to more than 100 countries worldwide. The deadly virus affected more than 124,000 people, with more than 4,500 deaths. In India, more than 60 people have been positively tested for the Coronavirus. China remains the most affected country, with more than 80,000 deaths and more than 3,000 confirmed deaths.

PC: The economic Times, medium

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