The government of India has given its nod to allows Tibetan refugees in foreign countries to return amid global travel ban. With India yet to open for commercials international flights since the lock down began from the end of March this year, it has been a serious trouble for people on international trips. The problem has been no less trouble for the Tibetans too.
Indian government issues a Certificate of Identity to Tibetan refugees residing in the country. It serves as the passport for the Tibetans to travel outside of the country. The Union Home Ministry has allowed Tibetan refugees in foreign countries to return to India through any its 107 immigration check posts.
According to the guideline, Tibetans with a valid return visa on their Certificate of Identity can return to India and if there return visas have expired, they may obtain a fresh Return Visa from the Indian Missions/Posts concerned. This could serve as a great to the Tibetans returning from foreign countries as there is already so much confusion for Tibetans travelling ICs.
“It has been decided to permit Tibetan migrants who have their residence in India and holding certificate of Identity issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Return Visa to enter India. Their Return Visa shall stand restored with immediate effect to facilitate their entry into India. However, if the validity of such visas has expired, they may obtain a fresh Return Visa from the Indian Missions/Posts concerned.” The Home Ministry order said.
Commercial flights are still suspended except those operating with special permission from the government under the Vande Bharat or air bubble scheme with select countries such as US, UK, France, UAE, Qatar, Germany, etc.