Omicron Scare – Entry restrictions on foreigners applicable to Nepal & Bhutan nationals: Sikkim CM

A day after the Sikkim government announced restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the state, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang today said that even foreign nationals from

A day after the Sikkim government announced restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the state, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang today said that even foreign nationals from neighbouring Nepal and Bhutan will fall under the ambit of the new restrictions.

Addressing media persons today, CM Tamang clarified that even Nepali and Bhutanese nationals are restricted from entering the state despite the open border relations India shares with the two neighbouring countries.

“ We are working as per the directives of the central government. The restrictions apply to all foreign nationals includes those from Nepal and Bhutan as well,” he said.

However, in this regard, the CM also added that exemptions may be made in certain cases of cross-border marriages with due permission from the state government.

The CM further maintained that the decision has been taken keeping in mind the government’s top priority which is to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Besides, CM Tamang appealed to the people to abide by all covid protocols stating that the pandemic is not over yet.

It may be mentioned that the Sikkim government on Wednesday announced its decision to restrict the entry of foreign nationals into the Himalayan state in view of the ever-increasing threat posed by the new ‘Omicron’ variant of the novel coronavirus.

As per the latest guidelines, the state government would not be issuing any ILP, RAP or PAP passes to any foreigner who wishes to visit Sikkim until further notice. The State Home Department also wrote to the tourism department directing non-issuance of entry permits to foreign nationals visiting Sikkim.

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