Indian Govt Extends Visa Validity of Foreigners Stranded In India

The Govt. of India on Friday extends the Visa validity of all foreign nationals who came to India before March 2020 and were stranded here due to Covid-19 lockdown and travel restrictions.

The decision comes amid the non-availability of normal commercial flight operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.

“Indian visa or stay stipulation period of foreign nationals stranded in India due to COVID-19 pandemic to be considered as deemed to be valid till 31.08.2021,” said MEA Spokesperson in a tweet.

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The Ministry of Home in a press release said, “It has accordingly been decided that the Indian visa or stay stipulation period of such foreign nationals stranded in India will be considered as deemed to be valid till 31.08.2021 on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty.”

It is worth mentioning that these foreign nationals will not be required to submit any application to the FRRO/FRO concerned for the extension of their visas.

Also, such foreign nationals may apply for exit permission to the FRRO/FRO concerned before exiting the country, which would be granted on a gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty.

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