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.