India has announced an extension of visas and a waiver of overstay penalties for foreign nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to a notification issued by the Indian Consulate General in Dubai, all visas and e-visas that are expiring or due to expire soon will be extended for one month free of charge through the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs).
Authorities said the move is aimed at helping foreign nationals affected by travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict in the region.
Exit Permits and Temporary Landing Permits Free of Charge
Officials also announced that any penalty for overstay by foreign nationals after February 28 due to the conflict will be waived.
The government further clarified that exit permits will be issued free of cost to affected foreign nationals so they can leave India once international travel routes reopen.
Authorities said if a foreign national is unable to apply for a visa extension or exit permit because of the situation, it will not be treated as a violation of immigration regulations.
Additionally, a Temporary Landing Permit (TLP) will be granted free of charge to foreign nationals whose flights are diverted to India due to disruptions in regional air travel.
Conflict Escalation in West Asia Triggers Travel Disruptions
The announcement comes as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate following military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting Iran.
Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes against US military installations and other strategic targets across the Gulf region.
The conflict has disrupted air travel and caused major security concerns across several countries in the Middle East.
500 Indians Travel via Qatar Amid Limited Flights
Amid the travel disruptions, nearly 500 Indian nationals were able to travel from Qatar to India and other destinations on flights operated by Qatar Airways, according to an advisory issued by the Embassy of India in Doha.
In a post on the social media platform X, the embassy said passengers travelled on Qatar Airways flights to Kochi and other destinations.
The airline also helped transport the mortal remains of two Indian nationals who died of natural causes, along with their family members, to Kochi on humanitarian grounds.
Limited Flights as Qatar Airspace Partially Reopens
The embassy also said Qatar’s airspace has only partially reopened, leading to limited flight operations.
“One flight to Mumbai is planned for operations by Qatar Airways on March 14,” the advisory said.
The limited flight operations come amid a worsening regional security crisis triggered by Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases, embassies and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Impact Global Energy
The conflict has also raised concerns about global energy supplies, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments pass through this narrow maritime route, making it one of the most critical energy corridors globally.
As tensions continue to escalate, governments across the world are closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact on travel, trade and energy security.
