11 countries approach India to evacuate their nationals from the country

New Delhi: Israel, Malaysia, Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Ukraine, Belgium, Peru and Afghanistan have approached India to evacuate their nationals from the country by operating special flights.

These countries are in talks with Indian officials to work out modalities to evacuate their nationals from here, people privy to the development told ET.

Afghanistan plans to evacuate more than 2,500 Afghans stranded in India. A huge number of Afghan nationals – almost as many as those from Nepal and Bangladesh – visit India round the year for various purposes from medical tourism to business to higher education to religious tourism.

The government had last week decided to extend the visa period of all foreign visitors, who are unable to leave the country due to travel restrictions in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, till April 15.

“Regular visa, e-visa or stay stipulation of all foreign nationals which have expired or would be expiring during the period from March 13 (midnight) to April 15 (midnight) would be extended till midnight of April 14 on 'Gratis' basis after making online application by the foreigner,” the home ministry had said in a notification. “Exit of such foreign nationals, if so requested by them during this period, will be granted without levy of overstay penalty,” it said.

With regard to extension of visas for diplomats it has been decided to keep it in abeyance between Monday and March 31 with provision of emergency services during this period.

Meanwhile, Iranian carrier Mahan Air is expected to bring back Indian visitors to the holy city of Qom who have tested negative for Covid-19. People tested positive are being treated by local doctors in Qom.

In Malaysia, the Indian High Commission is attending hundreds of nationals who have been stranded there. As many as 113 Indians transiting through Kuala Lumpur has helped to return back.