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INDIA: +91 080 41234927 | WHATSAPP: +91 6366 834954
INDIA: +91 080 41234927 | WHATSAPP: +91 6366 834954

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

March 11, 2020
India Travel Advisory

As the Government of India prepares to manage the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the following travel and visa restrictions were made as of March 12, 2020. This supersedes all earlier issued advisories related to the coronavirus:

– All existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/International organizations, Employment, Project visas stand suspended till April 15, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any foreigner for onward journey to India.
– Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid. They may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/conversion of their visa or grant of any consular service if they choose to do so.
– Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders shall be kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any foreigner for onward journey to India.
– Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for fresh visa.
– All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals arriving from any destination and having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany on or after February 15, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of such travelers.
– International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated Immigration Checkposts with robust medical screening facilities. These will be notified separately by Ministry of Home Affairs.
– In addition to the above visa restrictions the following travel advisory is hereby issued in accordance with instructions of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
– Indian nationals presently abroad are advised to avoid non-essential travel. They are hereby informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days on their arrival in India.
– All Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. On their return they can be subjected to quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days.

Source: Bureau of Immigration, Ministry go Home Affairs, Government of India

March 9, 2020
Coronavirus: India and Middle East Update

INDIA:

As of March 9, 2020, 45 positive cases have been reported across India with no deaths reported.

The following is a state by state breakdown of cases

Delhi – 4
Haryana – 14 Foreign Nationals
Kerala – 9
Rajasthan – 2 Foreign Nationals
Telangana – 1
Uttar Pradesh – 9
Union Territory of Ladakh – 2
Tamil Nadu – 1
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – 1
Punjab – 1
Karnataka – 1

– All primary schools in Bengaluru shut indefinitely due to coronavirus

The government has declared indefinite holiday for pre-primary and primary schools (upto Class 5) located in Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts.

MIDDLE EAST:

UAE: All schools have been closed for 4 weeks starting Sunday, March 8, 2020

Qatar: All schools have been closed indefinitely

March 3, 2020
Coronavirus: India update

Dear colleagues,

As we all grapple with the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic and as you revisit your strategies to maintain your presence in India, we wanted to send you some updates regarding the current situation in India with the hopes that it can help you with your planning.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN INDIA?

India has largely escaped the brunt of the outbreak so far and only 6 cases have been reported across the country. Of these, three were in Kerala and one each from Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. (source: www.indiatoday.in)

Kerala: The three cases, all students studying in Wuhan, were put under isolation but were eventually released on February 20th since all their tests returned negative.

Delhi: The case is of a man who had just returned from a trip to Europe during which he had spent some time in Italy. He is currently under quarantine.

Hyderabad: This was a software engineer who had just returned from Dubai where he had been working with colleagues from Hong Kong and is currently under quarantine.

Jaipur: An Italian tourist infected with Coronavirus was admitted to a hospital and is currently under quarantine.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOUR EFFORTS IN INDIA?

As far as our work is concerned, and based on sources within our network, everything is running as per schedule especially with the majority of the high school students writing end-of-year exams. As of now, with the exception of 2 schools in Noida (outside Delhi) which were shut down for precautionary measures, no other incidents have been reported across Indian schools and colleges. Our on-the-ground team has stepped up communications with our robust network of high schools and colleges in India and therefore will be able to provide real-time updates.

However, with these 6 cases being reported, the government has gone on a war-footing to combat the threat. Some of these measures may affect you directly as it relates to travel and travel-related concerns.

Stepped up screening: Thermal screening of passengers at airports and additionally, medical screening of all passengers arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan. If you have spent any time in these countries in the past two months, expect to be subjected to additional screening including being barred from entering the country.

Travel restrictions: The government issued a revised list of travel advisories warning Indian citizens against traveling to China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. In addition, all visas/e-visas issued to citizens of Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Iran have been suspended.

HOW CAN GEN NEXT HELP?

1. As you continue to plan your efforts in India, we can provide insight to ensure that your plans are feasible and executable. If you need on-the-ground support or are not able to travel, we can help you execute those plans with our in-country team.

2. Our team, spread out across India, can help you maintain a presence in front of your target audience through a variety of platforms such as engaging with high school counselors and students, visits to schools, engagement campaigns, WhatsApp messaging, webinars, and digital marketing.