Representatives of 130 nations, international bodies briefed on visa ban, quarantine

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday briefed envoys and representatives of more than 130 countries and global organisations on the administration’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, including imposition of restrictions on visas, quarantining of tourists suspected to being infected, and testing facilities.

At the briefing, senior officials of the ministries of external affairs, health and family welfare, and home affairs, also provided clarifications related to government advisories. The envoys had queries about quarantines at airport and testing of foreigners, among other issues, ET has learnt.

“Together in this fight! Representatives of 130+ countries and international organisations, including 100 heads of mission, attended a briefing by senior officials from MEA, MOHFW and MHA on proactive steps taken by government of India to combat Covid-19 pandemic and provide clarifications related to government advisory," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.


Some of the measures approved by the Modi government include—all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN and International Organisations, employment, and project visas, stand suspended till April 15, 2020; visa-free travel facility granted to OCI card holders has also been kept in abeyance till the same date; and all travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after February 15 shall be quarantined for a minimum 14 days.