Centre asks airlines not to fly in Chinese nationals in the country : Daily Current Affairs

Centre asks airlines not to fly in Chinese nationals in the country

NEWS

Central government has informally i.e. not in writing has asked both Indian as well as International flights not to bring Chinese citizens in the country.

ABOUT

  • Indian government has categorically asked Indian as well as foreign airlines not to bring Chinese nationals in the country.
  • The decision came in the wake of 1500 Indian seafarers stranded at Chinses coast. They are not allowed to enter the country or to come back home.
  • China has stopped the entry of Indians after 20 passengers tested COVID positive in Delhi- Wuhan bound flight on 30th October 2020
  • Till now China has denied the entry of Air India 4 times and once Vistara
  • Tourist visa is suspended between India and China
  • Flights are also suspended between India and China but Chinese citizens are coming to the country through Air Bubble countries of European Union
  • Few airlines has asked the government to give them reason in writing to cite it to Chinese citizens in case of denying them boarding in flight.

AIR BUBBLE COUNTRIES

  • When the travel by air between two countries is perceived safe in wake of pandemic of COVID 19 is called as Air Bubble
  • Air Bubble pacts help to minimize the risk of COVID infection during international travel
  • Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were 1st countries to create Air Bubble, to allow travel among themselves while restricting the outsiders
  • By this way countries will benefit as economies will gain through travel
  • India has Air Bubble arrangement with 21 countries
  • India has air bubble pact with US, UK, France, Germany, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Oman, Canada, Iraq, Japan, Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, UAE, Kenya, Ukraine, Bhutan, Tanzania, Netherland and Rwanda
  • Indian nationals holding valid visa with validity of at least 1 month are allowed to travel to air bubble countries
  • However tourist visas are not allowed
  • Civil aviation ministry released detailed guidelines who can travel to India and from India to other countries with which India has air bubble pact