New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday (June 12) has eased more restrictions on the entry of selective foreign nationals into the country, allowing a larger number of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and foreign nationals related to such cardholders or Indian nationals to enter the country.

In the case of medical emergencies

Any OCI cardholder, who wishes to come to India on account of family emergencies like critical medical conditions of immediate family members or death have been granted permission to travel to India.
For students

Students who are OCI cardholders, where at least one of their parents is an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder, can also travel to India, according to the new rules.

The new guidelines also apply to those who are students holding passports of another country, one of whose parents are a citizen of India or hold an OCI card.

For spouses, children, and minors

The Centre has also allowed married couples, where one spouse is an OCI cardholder and the other is an Indian national, to enter the country.

In addition, foreign nationals married to Indians or foreign nationals who are single parents and have minor children who hold Indian passports or OCI cards, can also now come into the country.
The new list released by the MHA also includes minors who hold OCI Cards and whose parents are Indian citizens.

Also, children who hold citizenship of another country but at least one of whose parents are Indian or an OCI cardholder can also now enter the country.

Dependents family members of foreign diplomats or official/service passport holders accredited to foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or accredited international organizations in the country can also now enter India.

Dependents of foreign diplomats

Dependents family members of foreign diplomats or official/service passport holders accredited to foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or accredited international organizations in the country can also now enter India.

However, the statement issued by govt said that the entry of all foreign nationals remains subject to them obtaining a fresh visa from Indian embassies abroad. Even people holding valid long-term visas too will have to get them revalidated by the respective mission that issued them the visa.

No foreign national will be allowed in on the basis of an electronic visa issued earlier, the rules stated.
International arrivals to India were banned with effect from March 25 when the first phase of nationwide lockdown was announced.

The lockdown is now restricted only in containment zones across the country and will continue till June 30. A large number of social, economic, religious and sports activities are currently allowed to function which the MHA termed "Unlock 1".