Indian Govt informally asks airlines to not board Chinese nationals

NEW DELHI: India has asked all its airlines to ban the travel of Chinese nationals to India. Although the order is unofficial, it is seen as a response to China. Earlier in November, China had banned passengers from India and several other countries.

Flights between the two countries have been suspended for a long time, but Chinese travelers are reaching India via another country, with which air travel is not interrupted. In addition, Chinese citizens living in such countries are also coming to India for work and business.

According to reports, last weekend, both Indian and foreign airlines have been specifically told not to send Chinese nationals to India. Tourist visas are currently suspended in India, but foreigners are allowed to travel to work and some other categories of non-tourist visas. Sources say that most of the Chinese nationals flying to India come here via Europe.

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India’s response has come as Indian sailors are stranded in various Chinese ports, since China is refusing to allow them to shore or even replace the crew. About 1,500 Indians have been affected by this because they cannot return home.

In early November, China suspended the entry of foreign nationals holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits from some countries, including India, due to the epidemic. The Chinese Embassy in India said in a statement on its website on 5 November, “The Chinese Embassy / Consulate in India will not stamp the health declaration for holders of the above categories of visas or residence permits.”

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