MEA raises issue of violations of visa and lockdown by Tablighis with Embassies

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs has raised the issue of visa violations and violation of lockdown with nations whose nationals had gathered for the Tablighi Jamaat meet which resulted in spread of Corona virus.

ET has learnt that the Ministry had connected Embassies and raised with them the issue of visa violations, visa fraud and violation of lockdown. A senior source told ET that many of Tablighis had arrived on tourist visas and therefore participating in a religious gathering was a case of violation. Most of these tourist visas were E-visas. Some of these Tablighis have visas valid up to six months.

These foreigners are quarantined due to worries over Covid-19, so the usual method of granting consular access under the Geneva Convention in visa violation cases may not work here.


More than 1,300 Tablighi workers from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are put under quarantine and are likely to face action for visa violations. Officials said they could be deported after the quarantine period is over by chartering special flights. Otherwise, they could be sent back after resumption of international flight operations.

However, those who have tested positive for Covid-19 and facing visa violation would be deported only after they recover from the disease.

As many as 493 of them are from Bangladesh, followed by Indonesia (472), Malaysia (150) and Thailand (142). Those from Bangladesh can be ferried through land route. A key land border post between India and Bangladesh is operational even during lockdown.

The Indonesian government has appreciated the assistance rendered to its nationals in Telangana. Ten Indonesians previously tested Covid-19 positive have recovered from the infection, state health authorities said. They will now enter a 14-day quarantine before being released.

Ambassador of Indonesia to India, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro expressed his appreciation for the support and assistance extended by the health authorities of Telangana and the government of India for the care extended to the 10 Indonesian nationals.

“Indonesian citizens in India are urged to always abide by the rules and regulation in India and maintain health protective measures against the new coronavirus,” according to an Indonesian Embassy statement.