New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has blacklisted 960 foreigners currently in India, who were attended the Religious congregation at Tableeghi Jamaat at Markaz Mosque in New Delhi. All foreigners attended the congregation on tourist visas for their involvement in the activities of the religious group Tableeghi Jamaat.

Several people from COVID-19 nations had attended the event. So far, more than 550 people with links to the gathering have tested positive for Covid- 19. Nearly more than 1,300 foreign delegates from the US, France and Italy, have been identified in different parts of the country.

“The Home Ministry cancelled the Indian visas of the blacklisted 960 foreigners and for their involvement in Tableeghi Jamaat activities while coming on tourist visas”, is according to the sources of Home Ministry official.

According to him, legal proceedings will be initiated against all blacklisted Tableeghi Jamaat workers under Section 14 of Foreigners Act, which involves misuse of visa. Foreigners visiting on tourist visa are not allowed to take part in religious activities. States have been asked to take action against them and the home ministry has also ordered action under the Disaster Management Act. The government has also decided not to issue tourist visa to any foreigner who wishes to visit India and take part in Tableeghi activities.

“As of now, they are either in quarantine facilities or in hospitals. After medical treatment, they would be shifted to detention centres in states they are in and the proceedings will continue from there,” an official said. As per Home Ministry guidelines for evacuation of a foreign national, a chartered flight has to be arranged by the concerned nation in consultation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.