India prolongs visas and eliminates overstay fines for foreign nationals stranded due to events in West Asia.

The Consulate General of India, Dubai has unveiled temporary relief measures for foreign nationals stranded in India due to ongoing developments in West Asia, which include visa extensions and waiving overstay penalties.

In a notice dated March 13, the mission stated that the government will extend all types of visas and e-visas that are set to expire or have recently expired by one month at no cost.

The extensions will be processed by the relevant Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) on a case-by-case basis for those affected.
Additionally, authorities have opted to waive any penalties incurred from overstaying for affected foreign nationals after February 28, provided the overstay is due to the current circumstances in West Asia.

As part of these measures, free exit permits will be granted to foreign nationals needing to leave India. The notice clarified that failure to apply for an exit permit or visa extension under these conditions will not constitute a violation of migration laws.

Furthermore, Temporary Landing Permits (TLP) will be issued at no cost to foreign nationals arriving in India due to flight diversions related to the regional situation.

These measures aim to ease travel and immigration compliance for foreign nationals affected by disruptions in air travel and movement connected to the circumstances in West Asia, as stated in the notice.