IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? India has canceled all visas for Chinese nationals globally, as well as for foreign nationals in mainland China.

What does the change mean? E-visas and regular visas previously issued are no longer valid for foreign nationals currently residing in China or Chinese nationals globally (with the exception of passport holders from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). Additionally, foreign nationals residing in China and Chinese nationals globally are not able to apply for new visas.

  • Implementation time frame: February 5.
  • Visas/permits affected: All Indian visas.
  • Who is affected: Chinese nationals globally and foreign nationals residing in China.
  • Business impact: Companies moving foreign workers from China and Chinese nationals globally may experience delays and disruptions in employee mobility.
  • Next steps: Employers should be aware of the visa suspension when moving workers from China or Chinese nationals from any country to India.

Analysis & Comments: The government’s ban on all travels from mainland China indicates that it is taking serious steps to contain the spread of the virus. Moreover, it has instructed all holders of e-visas and regular visas who have traveled from China since Jan. 15, and who are currently in India, to contact the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with queries relating to health, and is advising Indian citizens not to travel to China. Indian citizens who do travel to China will be quarantined on their return. Most airlines have canceled flights from India to mainland China and there are indications they will soon cancel flights to Hong Kong, according to media reports. Further, the Indian state of Karnataka has instructed all those who have traveled from any of the 23 countries affected by the virus to remain at home for 28 days from the date of their return, regardless of symptoms. Applications for Indian visas are no longer accepted from foreign or Chinese nationals applying from mainland China or Chinese nationals applying from any other countries (excluding passport holders from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).

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