IMPACT – MEDIUM

India’s government has extended the suspension of scheduled international flights.

Key Points:

  • Scheduled international flights remain suspended until Dec. 31.
  • Vande Bharat Mission and air bubble scheduled flights continue to operate. These suspension exceptions include flights with France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • Authorities may allow select scheduled international flights on a case-by-case basis.

Background: India’s government extended the international flight suspension because of rising COVID-19 cases.

Analysis & Comments: The international flight suspension extension will prevent many international air travelers from entering India until it has been lifted. Employers may wish to reconsider sending employees to India for the time being, unless they are able to use the Vande Bharat Mission or air bubble scheduled flights. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

India recently extended the ban on all inbound and outbound scheduled international commercial flights.

Key Points:

  • The ban on scheduled international commercial flights to and from India has been extended until Nov. 30.
  • Authorities may allow select international flights on a case-by-case basis.
  • A limited number of commercial flights are available through Air Bubble travel arrangements.
  • For more travel and visa restrictions information related to COVID-19 please click here.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

India recently announced new entry guidelines for foreign travelers.

Key Points:

  • Individuals traveling to India must submit a self-declaration form either through the online portal at least 72 hours before their scheduled travel time or physically upon arrival at the appropriate health counter.
  • International passengers arriving without a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) negative certificate and who wish to seek an exemption from institutional quarantine may undergo RT-PCR testing at airport facilities.
  • International passengers arriving without an RT-PCR negative certificate and who are not opting for RT-PCR testing at airport facilities, or who are arriving at airports where RT-PCR testing facilities are not available, will be required to undergo a mandatory seven-day institutional quarantine followed by a seven-day home quarantine.
  • International passengers arriving at seaports or land ports will be subjected to the same protocol, except that the online portal is currently not available to these passengers. Instead, they will need to physically submit their self-declaration form to the authorities at the seaport/land port upon arrival.
  • Indian states may impose additional sets of restrictions based on their own field assessments.

Additional Information: For more information, please click this link for the full set of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Home Affairs has updated travel and visa policies.

Key Points:

  • The following categories of foreign nationals are permitted to enter India through water routes or by flight, including under the Vande Bharat Mission, the “Air Bubble” scheme (i.e., bilateral air travel arrangements), or on any non-scheduled commercial flights as permitted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation:
    • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country.
    • Foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose (including their dependents on the appropriate category of dependent visas), except those on tourist visas.
  • All existing visas—except electronic visas (e-Visas), tourist visas and medical visas, which remain suspended—have been restored with immediate effect. If the visa has expired, the foreign national may obtain a fresh visa under the appropriate category from the relevant Indian mission or post.
  • Indian missions and posts are authorized to issue single-entry X-Misc. Visas on a case-by-case basis for foreign nationals not covered by the categories mentioned above and need to travel to India for family emergencies.
  • Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan are permitted to enter India from any country.
  • Nationals of India, Nepal, and Bhutan are permitted to travel from India to any country, subject to the travel restrictions of the destination country. Airlines will be responsible for ensuring that passengers are in compliance with the travel restrictions before issuing tickets or boarding passes to these travelers.
  • There will be no restrictions on incoming passenger traffic for all categories of foreign nationals who are permitted to enter India, or those who may be permitted to enter India in the future. However, restrictions will continue to apply for foreign nationals holding tourist visas.
  • Officials will strictly enforce COVID-19 protocols and other health guidelines.

Additional Information: For more travel and visa restrictions information related to COVID-19 please click here.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released a set of standard operating procedures for inbound and outbound flights.

Key points:

  • The operating procedures are in accordance with the “Vande Bharat” mission to bring stranded Indian nationals home and “Air Transport Bubble” arrangements to enable limited commercial passenger services on a reciprocal basis.
  • For inbound flights, those who wish to travel to India on Vande Bharat flights will need to register themselves with the Indian missions in the countries where they are currently located or where they are residing.
  • This registration process may not be required on flights operating under Air Transport Bubble arrangements. Priority will be given to compelling cases of distress, including migrant workers who have been laid off, short-term visa holders faced with visa expiry, persons with medical emergencies, pregnant women, elderly persons, students, or those who need to return to India due to the death of a family member. More information can be found here.
  • For outbound flights, persons who are eligible to travel will need to apply to the Ministry of Civil Aviation or an agency/agencies designated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for this purpose.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

India recently extended the suspension of international flights and some visas.

Key Points:

  • All scheduled international passenger flights remain suspended until July 31. There may be exceptions for some international scheduled flights on a case-by-case basis.
  • All Indian visa services remain suspended until further notice. There are exceptions for in-country registrations, other in-country services and visa extensions.
  • Visas expiring after June 30 shall be deemed to be valid until 30 days from the date of resumption of normal international flight operations, free of charge and without levy of an overstay penalty.
  • Foreign nationals unable to leave India because of travel restrictions who have visas that are about to expire can apply online at the e-FRRO portal.
  • Foreign nationals with expired visas who have applied to leave the country will be granted an exit permit without having to pay an overstay penalty.

Background: India first suspended international commercial flights in March.

Analysis & Comments: The international flight suspension extension is to prevent inbound travelers from entering India, on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. The visa extension is good news for foreign nationals currently in India. The response to the pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) issued a memorandum last week, announcing the categories of foreign nationals now permitted to enter India.

The following Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can now enter India:

  • Minor children whose parents are Indian nationals.
  • OCI cardholders who wish to come to India because of family emergencies, such as critical medical conditions or the death of an immediate family member.
  • Married couples where one spouse is an OCI cardholder and the other is an Indian national.
  • Students who are OCI cardholders where at least one of their parents is either an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.

The other categories of foreign nationals permitted to enter India are:

  • Foreign nationals who are minor children where at least one of their parents is either an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.
  • Foreign nationals married to Indian citizens.
  • Foreign nationals who are single parents of minor children holding Indian passports or OCI cards.
  • Students who are foreign nationals where at least one of their parents is an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.
  • Dependent family members of foreign diplomats and official/service passport holding service staff accredited to foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or accredited international organizations in India.
  • Foreign nationals of Indian origin, who wish to come to India on account of family emergencies, such as critical medical conditions or the death of an immediate family member. A person of Indian origin, in this case, refers to someone (1) who has held or has a parent who has held an Indian passport; or (2) whose parent is or has been a citizen of India.
  • Foreign nationals who are stranded in close neighboring countries and are seeking to exit to their destination country through India.
  • Foreign nationals arriving on medical grounds for treatment in India (including one attendant, if so requested).
  • Foreign nationals arriving on any sub-categories of the Employment Visa, along with their dependents holding Dependent Visas.

Background: The above list expands the previous list of permitted entry categories published in June.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government is now permitting certain categories of foreign nationals to enter India.

Key Points:

  • Foreign business visitors on a business visa (other than B-3 visa for sports) on non-scheduled commercial/chartered flights.
  • Foreign healthcare professionals, health researchers, engineers and technicians for technical work at Indian health sector facilities, including laboratories and factories (requires a letter of invitation from a recognized and registered healthcare facility, registered pharmaceutical company, or accredited university in India).
  • Foreign engineering, managerial, design or other specialists traveling to India on behalf of a foreign business entity located in India (includes all manufacturing units, design units, software, and IT units as well as financial sector companies).
  • Foreign technical specialists and engineers traveling for the installation, repair and maintenance of foreign-origin machinery and equipment facilities in India, at the invitation of a registered Indian business entity.

Additional information: The above categories of foreign nationals would need to obtain a new business visa or employment visa, as applicable, from an Indian Mission abroad. Foreign nationals holding a valid long-term multiple entry business visa (other than B-3 visa for sports) issued by an Indian Mission abroad would need to revalidate their business visa at that same Indian Mission. These foreign nationals would not be permitted to travel to India using an electronic visa obtained earlier.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

India recently extended the nationwide lockdown in containment zones and issued reopening guidelines.

Key Points:

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the nationwide lockdown in containment zones until June 30.
  • Reopening guidelines organized in several phases were also announced by MHA to be implemented after the lockdown has ended. In Phase 1, beginning June 8, hotels, malls and places of worship will be allowed to reopen. In Phase 2, which is to be determined in July, the following will take place:
    • Schools, colleges and educational institutions will be allowed to reopen.
    • Both intrastate and interstate travel will be allowed.
    • Movement by trains, domestic flights and Shramik specials will remain active.
    • Movement will not be allowed between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • In Phase 3, which is yet to be determined, the following will take place:
    • International flights and metro services will be allowed to resume.
    • Gyms, sports facilities, pools, and cinema halls will be allowed to reopen.
    • Social, sports, cultural, and political functions will be allowed to resume.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility until the country begins to reopen, and arrange travel schedules for affected travelers accordingly. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 IMPACT – HIGH

The government has relaxed travel restrictions for some Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders. Officials have also put in place a rule requiring all travellers to India to give an undertaking that they will undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country.

Key Points:

  • The following categories of OCI cardholders who are stranded abroad are now permitted to travel to India:
    • Minor children born to Indian nationals abroad and holding OCI cards.
    • OCI cardholders who wish to travel to India because of a family emergency such as a death in the family.
    • Couples consisting of one OCI cardholder spouse and one Indian national spouse, with permanent residence in India.
    • University students who are OCI cardholders (and not legally minors), but whose parents are Indian citizens living in India.
  • Before boarding their flights, all travelers to India must now provide an undertaking that they will undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days. This consists of seven days of institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by seven days of isolation at home with self-monitoring of health. Exceptions to mandatory institutional quarantine are available to those who qualify (click here for more information).

Background: India initially suspended international flights in March and has extended the flight suspension several times since, while also embarking on an ambitious repatriation operation.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.