FOREIGN journalists with families allowed to visit India

AS part of the plan for reigniting the aviation and tourism sectors, GOI  has after due deliberations okayed foreign journalists with valid visas to visit India along with family members. According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, the decision has been taken after considering the need for further relaxation of visa and travel restrictions for more categories of foreign nationals who want to travel to India. In addition to the categories of foreign nationals, who were already permitted to enter India, foreign nationals holding a Journalist (J-1) visa and their dependents holding a J-1X visa can also now come to the country. The J-1 or J-1X visas, which have been suspended, will be restored to facilitate entry of such journalists and their families. The government has, however, informed that in case of expiry of such visas, fresh J-1 or J-1X visas should be obtained from the Indian missions abroad. The Home Ministry said that all such entries will be allowed only after compliance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health-related to quarantine and COVID related health checks. Meanwhile, informed sources said talks are on for expanding air bubble plan with another 13 countries for facilitating travel to and from India. Image courtesy: Justdial