New Delhi: Global airlines body, International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a circular issued to its member airlines on April 20 regarding India stated suspension of tourist visas for Chinese nationals
"Tourist visas issued to nationals of China (People's Republic) are no longer valid," read the circular, reported news agency PTI.
India has been raising its concern regarding Indian students studying in Chinese universities who had to come back to India after the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and are now unable to go back for physical classes. Beijing has however till date refused to let these students enter the country.
Following passengers are allowed to enter India: nationals of Bhutan, India, Maldives and Nepal; passengers with a residence permit issued by India; passengers with visa or an e-visa issued by India; passengers with an overseas citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet; passengers with a persons of Indian origin (PIO) card; and passengers with a diplomatic passport, IATA’s statement read further.
The IATA further added that tourist visas with a validity of 10 years are no longer valid.
India has urged Beijing to adopt a "congenial stance" in the matter as the continuation of the strict restrictions is putting the academic careers of thousands of Indian students in jeopardy, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on March 17.
Bagchi said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had stated on February 8 that China was looking into the matter in a coordinated manner and that arrangements for allowing foreign students to return to China were being examined.
"But let me clarify that till date, the Chinese side has not given any categorical response about the return of Indian students. We will continue to urge the Chinese side to adopt a congenial stance in the interest of our students and that they facilitate an early return to China so that our students can pursue their studies," Bagchi said.