Coronavirus scare: India suspends visas for nationals of France, Germany, Spain

India, on Tuesday temporarily suspended all visas and e-visas granted on or before March 11 to nationals of three more coronavirus-hit countries - France, Germany, and Spain with immediate effect, in a bid to contain furr spread of deadly vel coronavirus.

government has already suspended visas and e-visas of nationals from Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and China. decision to restrict entry for three more nations was made after Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a high-level review meeting with secretaries of various ministries to review situation, actions, preparedness, and manment to curb COVID-19 cases in India.

"With respect to restrictions on visa, besides already issued instructions, all regular visas (including e-visas) which have been granted to nationals of France, Germany, and Spain on or before March 11, 2020, and where se foreigners have t yet entered India stands suspended," an official release said.

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Visas and e-visas granted to all foreign nationals who have travel history to countries mentioned above on or after February 1 and who have t yet returned to India have also been suspended.

"Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid and y may contact nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO (Foreigners' Regional Registration Office) module for extension or conversion of ir visa or grant of any consular service if y choose to do so. A tification to this effect is being issued by Bureau of Immigration (BOI)," statement said.

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Government issues advisories

government also issued an advisory, to passengers with travel history to China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Malaysia, France, Spain, and Germany to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days from date of ir arrival. ir employers are advised to allow work-from-home for such employees during period of self-quarantine.

Additionally, government has advised Indian citizens to refrain from traveling to France, Spain, and Germany that have been severely affected by Coronavirus.

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A total of 50 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India as of March 10. Of  50 cases, 34 are Indian nationals while 16 are Italians. Besides, two deaths reported from Murshidabad and Ladakh on Monday, both tested negative for COVID-19, as per a statement. Over 1,400 contacts of se positive cases have been under surveillance, to date.

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(With inputs from ANI)