The government has evacuated 640 Indians, along with seven Maldives nationals, from coronavirus-hit China and the complex operation was done with Beijing’s assistance, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. However, 10 other Indians are still in China because they failed to clear the screening process. “Apart from those evacuated, 10 other Indians have indicated that they want to come back from China, but were unable to clear the health screening process,” MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. “We are in regular contact with them and exploring all possibilities for their return,” Kumar said.
Raveesh said that in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, normal visas and all existing e-visas from China that have been issued are no longer valid.
“All existing e-visas from China are no longer valid. Similarly, normal visas that have been issued are also no more valid. Those who have compelling reasons to visit India, they can contact our Embassy or the nearest consulates to apply for a visa,” Raveesh told media persons.
He clarified that visa restrictions are applicable only to the Chinese mainland.
“E-visa is available for certain categories of visits to India, Diplomats don’t fall in that category. A diplomat visa is applied at the Embassy. So, it may not impact the diplomatic process,” he stated.
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Meanwhile, Kumar said if Imran Khan government requests for the evacuation of Pakistani students from coronavirus-hit Wuhan, India can consider it. Raveesh, who was addressing a MEA briefing said, “We have not received any request regarding it from Pakistan Government. But, if such a situation arises and we have resources then we will consider it.”
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