COVID-19: Suspension of international flights, visa services extended

IMPACT – HIGH

India has again extended the suspension of certain passenger aircraft from entering the country, as well as some visa services, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

• All domestic and international air travel of passengers will remain prohibited until May 31, with few exceptions.
• All visas services also remain suspended until May 31, except for visa extensions, in-country registration, and other in-country services.
• Additionally, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders who are currently outside of India are not allowed to enter the country until May 31. The legal status of OCI cardholders in India remains valid.

Background: In February, India canceled visas for all Chinese nationals and foreign nationals in mainland China. In March, all commercial international flights were suspended. Visas for most foreign nationals were suspended in the same month until April 15, with some exceptions. Afterwards, the flight suspension was extended until April and then extended again until May 17.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and all but essential business. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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