Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
clear sky
weather
OMAN
25°C / 25°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Omanis must get medical visa for treatment in India

1088488
1088488
minus
plus

Muscat, August 19 - Omani patients who visit India should obtain a medical visa to avoid the situation of hospitals refusing to treat/ admit them, said the Consulate General of Oman in Mumbai.


Omanis who want to visit India for medical treatment have been asked to travel on medical visa only. Medical visa is required for all foreign nationals seeking medical care in India.


From April 1 this year, the medical visa fee was fixed at RO 30.9 (six months) and RO 46.3 (one year).


The decision to reduce visa fee is expected to benefit patients and their attendants.


The medical visa application form should be accompanied by a referral letter or preliminary medical advice from an Omani hospital recommending specialised treatment abroad.


It should also be accompanied by a letter from an Indian hospital indicating appointment or expressing willingness to offer treatment.


The medical visa is granted for a maximum of one year or for the period of treatment, whichever is less.


Those arriving on a medical visa should register with Foreigner Regional Registration Offices/ Foreigners’ Registration Offices (FRROs/FROs) within 14 days from the date of arrival if he/she is required to stay more than six months for treatment.


Attendants/family members shall be granted medical attendant visa co-terminus with the ‘medical visa’ of the patient.


This may be granted to the spouse/ children or those having blood relations with the patient. It can be issued to a maximum of two persons.


Medical attendant visa holders too should register with FRROs/ FROs within 14 days from the arrival date.


Such a visa will be valid for a maximum of three entries in a year.


The Embassy of India, Muscat, has taken steps to boost medical tourism in India, including quick processing of medical visa applications and opening of a separate counter at BLS Visa Application Centre for receiving applications for medical visas.


Vinod Nair


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon