New Delhi:

Foreign nationals stranded in India because of the coronavirus-induced lockdowns and non-availability of normal commercial flight operations will not have to apply for extension of their visas till August 31, the Union Home Ministry has said in an order.

“…the Indian visa or stay stipulation period of such foreign nationals stranded in India will be considered as deemed to be valid till 31.08.2021 on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty. These foreign nationals will not be required to submit any application to the FRRO/FRO concerned for extension of their visas,” the circular read.

The ministry added that such foreign nationals will have to apply for an exit permission that would be granted without any penalty.

Civil aviation in India had been severely hit by the nationwide lockdown last year, with flight operations coming to a grinding halt. Domestic flights were allowed to resume later. International flights on select routes were also allowed with strict restrictions. However, the more virulent second wave of the pandemic that triggered local lockdowns in several states has adversely impacted the passenger traffic.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said the pre-Covid normalcy with respect to passenger traffic is expected to return next year.

Many countries have banned flights to and from India amid the second wave that caused thousands of deaths within a few weeks.

Though the coronavirus situation in the country has improved, the daily Covid numbers are still dangerously high. India on Friday reported 1.32 lakh cases and 2,713 deaths in a day.