International Air Transport Association (IATA) has informed its member airlines that India has suspended tourist visas for Chinese nationals. The trade association has nearly 290 member airlines. Chinese tourist visas with 10 years of validity too will no longer remain valid. India took the step as an act of revenge against China for denying the entry of around 22,000 Indian students who had to come back to India when COVID-19 hit the world in 2020. Now, they are unable to go back to China to continue with their physical classes.
Who Are Not Allowed To Enter India From China?
According to the April 2022 circular, IATA has stated the following:
- Tourist visa’s issued to nationals of China or People’s Republic will become invalid
- Tourist visas with 10 years of validity will become invalid
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Who Are Allowed To Enter India From China?
- Nationals of India, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives
- Travellers holding a residence permit from India
- Travellers with OCI card or booket
- Those with PIO card of Indian origin
- Those having diplomatic passport
- Travellers with e-visa or visa issued by India
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No Response From China Yet On Return Of Indian Students
As per reports, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has stated that a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had said on February 8 that China was investigating the issue in a collaborative way and that plans for allowing international students to return to China were being reviewed. He added that the Chinese Side has, however, not given any response on the matter yet. Students are also running social media campaigns voicing out their demands for allowing them to return to China.
First Published: April 25, 2022 4:28 PM