The opening of the visa-on-arrival scheme is a welcome step in reclaiming our lives

The decision to allow visas on arrival for tourists coming to India on chartered flights from October 15 and others from November 15 is a welcome step. It is bold and timely. It will indeed restore the confidence of the tourism sector that was worst hit due to the Corona pandemic. Most of the tour operators and travel companies had to either shut down or operate at minimal levels. All visas were suspended last year due to the pandemic. It caused hardships to millions of people directly or indirectly associated with the sector. Not only the people suffered but the country also lost a major chunk of foreign exchange. The actual cost of the revenue loss is staggering. To be fair to the Government, lockdown and completely cut off from the rest of the world looked like a good idea to deal with the spread of the Coronavirus. But while many countries opened up long back, Indians continued to be over-sceptic and did not allow major sectors to operate. The tourism sector was one of these.

Some people may frown on the Government’s decision. Despite the warning of the third wave coming in September-October, the Government went ahead with its plan to unlock the tourism sector. However, we are one-third past October and there is no sign of any wave on the horizon. With a sizeable number of people vaccinated, it is very unlikely that the third wave, if at all it comes, would have the same catastrophic effect as in the second wave. The Home Ministry has said it had been receiving representations from various stakeholders to start tourist visas. And that it consulted all departments concerned and State Governments before taking the decision. The restrictions placed on visa and international travel stand further eased given the present COVID-19 situation, it said in its press note. However, all the tourists, on arrival will have to follow COVID-19 protocols. It is high time the world starts living a normal life. Though making some adjustments would be good for all of us. There are always some lessons in every crisis. As Saint Augustine said: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Though now the traveller may have to be extra cautious and may have to hold a Corona passport. A virus, no matter how powerful, cannot cow us. Humanity must prevail.