Visas of those stranded in India extended

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:06.05.2020

The government of India on Tuesday announced extension of grant of consular services to all foreign nationals stranded in India due to Covid-19 lockdown, for a period up to 30daysfrom thedate of lifting of prohibition on outbound international air travel of passengers.

It also decided that all existing visas granted to foreigners except to those belonging to diplomatic, official, UN/international organisations, employment and project categories shall remain suspended till prohibition on international air travel of passengers from/to India is lifted by the Government of India. The MHA, in an office memorandum issued on Tuesday, said in the light of extension of the lockdown until May 17, it had been decided to extend the period of providing the consular services by the office of Foreigners Regional Registration Officers/Foreigners Registration Officers to foreign nationals who have been stranded in India because of spread of Covid-19and also due to travel restrictions imposed by Indian authorities.

“Regular visa, e-visa or stay stipulation, of such foreign nationals whose visas have expired or would be expiring during the period from 01.02.2020 (midnight)tillthedateon which prohibition on international air travel of passengers from India is lifted by the Government of India, would be extended on ‘GRATIS’ basis on submission of online application by the foreigners. Such extensions would be granted for a period up to 30 days from the date of lifting of prohibition on international air travel of passengers from India without levy of overstay penalty. Exit to such foreign nationals, if so requested by them, will also be granted on the same lines,” the ministry directed. Bureau of Immigration was advised to convey the above instructions to all FRROs/ FROs/ Immigration Check Post.