Midnight on 7 March marked the end of India’s week-long fee-free visa-extension programme, introduced after airlines began cancelling flights that traverse West-Asian airspace. A Ministry of Home Affairs directive instructed Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) to grant no-cost extensions to tourist, business, medical and e-tourist visa holders whose permits expired between 28 February and 7 March. According to internal FRRO statistics seen by Times of Visa, more than 9,400 foreign nationals—about 40 percent of them British, German or Singaporean business visitors—availed of the waiver. Ordinarily, overstays incur penalties of ₹100–₹300 per day plus censure notes that can complicate future visa applications. The ministry framed the concession as a ‘‘humanitarian gesture’’ reflecting exceptional circumstances, but it also served a pragmatic purpose: clearing departure formalities quickly reduces airport bottlenecks once flights resume. The Bureau of Immigration will review the need for further waivers if disruptions continue into mid-March. Indian host companies are advised to double-check that all foreign assignees now hold valid exit tickets. Future emergency travel policies may be more targeted—possibly limited to passengers whose itineraries pass within designated no-fly zones—so HR teams should keep documentary evidence of any cancellations in case of renewed conflict.
Source: Times of Visa
