Coronavirus update: India temporarily suspends VOA facility for Japanese and South Korea nationals

In a move to step up precautionary measures, India has temporarily suspended visa on arrival (VOA) for Japanese and South Korean nationals. This step comes in the wake of the surge in the number of Coronavirus cases in both these countries.

Till now, as many as 2000 positive cases have been reported in South Korea, which has now become the biggest cluster to have this infection outside China.
The said development also comes after a day India evacuated 119 Indians and 5 foreigners, who were stuck onboard Diamond Princess, the Coronavirus-hit cruise ship that was moored off the Japanese coast. As per the latest reports, out of 3711 people on board the ship, more than 700 people tested positive for the virus.
Further, referring to this development, the Indian Embassy tweeted, “In view of the recent outbreak of COVID-19, visa on arrival, which was available only for nationals of Japan and South Korea has been temporarily suspended.” It also added that regular visas will, however, be processed and may be applied for. Earlier on February 2, India suspended the e-visa facility for foreigners residing in China and Chinese travellers following the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Also, visas of Chinese nationals that have been issued earlier has been cancelled by the government in view of containing the spread.

The virus emerged in early December 2019 in Hubei’s capital Wuhan, in China. World leaders have expressed concern about the virus outbreak and its implications, and are taking necessary steps to contain the virus from spreading further.