Centre permits foreign nationals to travel to India on business and work visas

Photo Credits: The News Minute

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared relaxations on Thursday pertaining to international travel, which will be immediately effective regarding all existential visas apart from the electronic, tourist and medical categories.

MHA has also given the allowance for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders and any foreign nationals to travel to India with any intent apart from the tourist visa.

The Ministry has released a statement about graded relaxation in travel restrictions for the categories of foreign nationals and Indian nations deciding to travel to and from India, which was restricted earlier to block the movement of international passengers to contain Covid-19 transmission. The statement further adds that for any expiration of visas apart from tourist and medical, fresh applications can be made with appropriate charges.

Regarding the visit for any medical reasons, fresh applications need to be made. The move will initiate travel adhering to business, conferences, employment, studies, research, medical purposes. 

Permissions are also granted for OCI and PIO card holders apart from tourist visa to travel to India via air or water route. This comprises of the ‘Vande Bharat’ Mission, air transport bubble arrangements and any flight accorded with Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Though, all travelers have to stringently follow the regulations and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding quarantine and Covid-19 guidelines.