New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry in an order said that the expired visas of Foreigners stranded in India extended upto August 31^st, 2021.

The Union Home Ministry also advised the foreigners not to apply for visas upto August 31^st, because of the Covid – 19 induced lockdowns and non-availability of normal commercial flight operations.

Indian visa or stay stipulation period of such foreigners 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 foreigners will not be required to submit any application to the FRRO/FRO concerned for extension of their visas, the circular read. The foreigners will have to apply for an exit permission that would be granted without any penalty, said Home Ministry.

Many countries have banned flights to and from India due to the second Covid – 19 wave that has been killing hundreds of patients daily.