The recent announcement by the Nepali Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, and the subsequent notice issued by the Indian Ministry of Communications signify a significant development regarding access to Indian SIM cards for Nepali nationals visiting India. Here are the key points regarding this update:
- Previous Challenges: Nepali nationals faced difficulties in obtaining Indian SIM cards while visiting India due to technical issues and stringent requirements. This led to communication challenges during their stay in India or when contacting their home country.
- New Guidelines: The Indian Ministry of Communications has introduced amendments to the previous requirements, allowing Nepali citizens visiting India to acquire mobile connections more easily.
- Accepted Documents: Under the new guidelines, Nepali citizens can obtain Indian SIM cards using various identification documents, including their passport, citizenship certificate, voter ID card, or a limited validity photo ID certificate issued by the Nepali mission in India.
- Provisions for Bhutanese Citizens: The provision also extends to citizens of Bhutan, enabling them to acquire Indian mobile connections using similar identification documents.
- Entry via Third Countries: Nepalis and Bhutanese citizens entering India through third countries other than their respective origins must provide a copy of their passport along with valid visa stamps to obtain Indian SIM cards.
- Limitations: Despite the relaxation in requirements, mobile connections acquired by Nepali and Bhutanese citizens will be subject to limitations. The SIM card’s validity will be aligned with the permitted duration of stay in India or the visa validity, and it cannot exceed three months at a time.
- International Roaming Restrictions: These connections won’t support international roaming, restricting Nepali and Bhutanese citizens from making calls back home while using the Indian SIM cards.
Overall, the new guidelines aim to facilitate communication for Nepali and Bhutanese nationals visiting India by streamlining the process of obtaining Indian SIM cards. While the restrictions on validity and international roaming exist, the initiative marks a positive step towards enhancing connectivity and convenience for visitors from Nepal and Bhutan in India.
