China suspends visas to India, four other countries

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 5

China has temporarily suspended the entry of nationals from India, the UK, Belgium, France and the Philippines, as Covid cases in these countries soar.

While the four European countries have a high per capita number of cases, in the case of India 19 passengers on a flight to Wuhan were found Covid positive on landing.

Sources here highlighted the fact that the announcement by the Chinese Embassy here indicates that the measure is temporary and that changes can be expected in a timely manner.

The reason behind the measure seems to be Chinese concerns on possible rise in Covid cases globally, due to the advent of autumn and winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The Government is in touch with the Chinese side to facilitate essential travel of Indians to and from China, said the sources.

Chinese nationals in these countries are exempt from the temporary ban.

In Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the move is a temporary measure China had to take in response to the current outbreak, adding that the decision is reasonable and in line with international practices in light of recent pandemic developments.

The Chinese embassies and consulates will no longer issue certified health declaration forms for people from the listed countries, he added.