Subject: Grant of some consular services on gratis basis to foreign nationals presently stranded in India due to travel restrictions in view of COVID-19 — regarding
Dated 05/05/2020
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's O.M. No.25022/24/2020-F.V/F.1 dated 17.04.2020, on the above subject.
2. The matter has been reconsidered in this Ministry. It has now been decided to extend the period of providing the following consular services by the office of Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROS) / Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) to foreign nationals who have been stranded in India because of spread of COVID-19 in many parts of the world and also due to travel restrictions imposed by the 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 (Mid-night) till the date on 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".
3. Bureau of Immigration is accordingly advised to convey the above instruction to all FRROs/ FROs/Immigration Check Posts.
4. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
