Govt bans tourist visas for foreign Tablighi activists

After many persons who had attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation tested positive for coronavirus, the Centre on Tuesday (March 31) decided not to issue tourist visa to any foreigner who wishes to visit India and take part in Tablighi activities.

The decision came hours after the government announced that around 2,100 foreigners had visited India for Tablighi activities since January 1.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been advised that missions may be requested to refrain from granting tourist visa to such foreigner who is likely to use it for Tablighi activities, a home ministry official said.

The home ministry told the MEA that it should ensure that details regarding place of stay and return ticket as well as financial means to defray expenses in India by such visa applicants must be examined carefully before granting them tourist visas.