New Delhi, 01 March (H.S.): In response to the escalating Middle East crisis triggered by U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes, the Indian government issued urgent advisory for foreign nationals stranded in the country, urging them to seek visa extensions through the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized immediate action for those whose departure plans have been disrupted by flight suspensions and airspace closures across affected regions. Foreign citizens whose travel from India has been impacted due to these events and who have had to postpone their journeys should promptly contact the nearest FRRO to extend their visa duration or regularize their stay, the advisory states, assuring full assistance in completing formalities to maintain legal status.

The advisories follow intensified hostilities, with Iranian counteroffensives disrupting global aviation networks; multiple international carriers have grounded flights to and from the Gulf, stranding thousands including expatriates in India.

Regional airspace shutdowns in parts of the Middle East have compounded return challenges for visitors from Europe, the U.S., and beyond, prompting New Delhi's proactive measure to avert overstay penalties amid unprecedented disruptions not witnessed since the 2022 energy shocks.

Authorities highlighted FRRO offices' readiness—accessible online via indianfrro.gov.in or at major airports and cities—to process extensions swiftly, ensuring compliance without fines. This comes as India evacuates 1,200 students from Iran while assuring safe passage for inbound foreign travelers, balancing humanitarian aid with immigration enforcement.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar