The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday issued an order informing certain categories of foreigners can come to India now among whom will include engineers and health professionals. The move comes as the government has begun easing visa restrictions as part of the "Unlock 1" strategy to lift the nation in a safe and phased manner from the coronavirus crisis.

A business visa will be provided to those visiting India regarding their business purposes on a non-schedule airline or a chartered flight. Foreign nationals working as health researchers and technicians collaborating with health sector facilities in India, among which include laboratories and factories, can also apply for an Indian visa now. Likewise, engineering, managerial, design or other specialists coming to India on behalf of an international firm located in the country can register for a visa as well.

The Home Ministry further said that technical specialists visiting India for installation, repair and maintenance of foreign-origin machinery and equipment must possess an invitation from a registered Indian firm. Similarly, a letter of invitation from a registered pharmaceutical firm or an accredited Indian university needs to be produced by health researchers and technicians coming to India.

Among those who can apply for an Indian visa under the foreign specialists category are those working in manufacturing units, design units, software and information technology units as well as banking and non-banking financial sector firms and all are required to apply fresh for the visa, the MHA stated. International travelers will have to get their business visa re-validated from the Indian mission in case they possess a valid long-term multiple entry business visa and cannot travel using any electronic visa that had been issued before. Below is the official press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs:

Relaxation in Visa and Travel restrictions to permit certain categories of Foreign Nationals to come to India.#Covid_19

Press Release 👇https://t.co/FzG0U1d1WL pic.twitter.com/5QklKknFTh

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 3, 2020