Here Are SOPs For Those Travelling Abroad For Education, Employment & Olympics

New Delhi: Indians seeking to travel abroad for education, employment or as part of the Indian contingent to next month’s Tokyo Olympics will have to get their CoWin vaccine certificates linked to their passports. The facility will be available till August 31, 2021.

2nd Covishield dose after 28 days allowed

As per SOPs issued by the Union Health ministry on Monday, those belonging to these categories will be allowed to take the second dose of Covishield vaccine even if they have not completed the minimum interval of 84 days from the first dose. But the gap has to be at least 28 days, as was the provision initially.

CoWin will soon be making provision for administering the second dose in such cases.

“With the receipt of several representations for allowing administration of dose of Covishield for such persons who have only taken first dose of Covishield and are seeking to undertake international travel for educational purposes or employment opportunities or for participation in India’s contingent for Tokyo Olympic Games, but whose planned travel dates fall prior to completion of the currently mandated minimum interval of 84 days from the date of first dose, the issue was discussed in Empowered Group 5 (EG-5) and appropriate recommendations have been received in this context,” the ministry said in a press release.

States to designate competent authority

The Centre has asked states and union territories to designate a competent authority in each district for giving permission for the second dose of Covishield even if gap is less than 84 days, but after checking that at least 28 days have elapsed after the date of first dose.

The designated competent authority will also check the genuineness of purpose of travel.

Documents required

Those going overseas for education will have to present documents related to admission offers or related formal communications.

In case of people seeking to travel abroad for work, they will have to present job interview calls or offer letters for employment.

Sportspersons and members of support staff of the Tokyo-bound Indian contingent will need to present documents related to their nomination to participate or accompany the team to the Olympics.

“It is advised that vaccination may be availed in cases through passport which is one of the permissible ID documents as per the current guidelines so that the passport number is printed in the certificate,” the guideline stated.

ID proof for vaccination

In case passport was not used as ID proof at the time of administering first dose, details of the other photo ID used for vaccination will be printed on the vaccine certificate. Mentioning passport number in such cases is not to be insisted upon, the ministry said.

The competent authority might issue another certificate which will link vaccination certificate with the passport number.