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UK govt. engages with India over recognition of vaccine certificate

As per reports, an official from the British High Commission confirmed the same and mentioned that talks are being held over "technical cooperation to expand UK recognition of vaccine certification provided by a relevant public health body."

UK govt. engages with India over recognition of vaccine certificate
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The government of India, on Friday, October 1, 2021, announced a 10-day mandatory quarantine for all travellers arriving to India from Britain. This has been made applicable from Monday, October 4, 2021, and citizens from Britain will have to undergo quarantine irrespective of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status. 

As per reports, this is said to be a reciprocal move by India over the recently passed decision by the United Kingdom where similar controversial rules were announced for people travelling to the Britain from India. The UK government faced heavy criticism for the same as the officials refused to agree with India's vaccination certificate and also recognise the respective status of the visitors. 

Responding to the move, the Indian government imposed the rules for the travellers from the UK, starting October 4, 2021, whereby they will have to undergo a total of three COVID-19 RT-PCR tests. The first will be within 72 hours before travel, second on arrival at the airport, and third on the eight day post the arrival while being on the 10-day mandatory home quarantine at home in India.

Also Read: Soon, people vaccinated abroad will be able to download certificates via Co-WIN

A report published in the Indian Express clarified that the UK government has decided to engage with India regarding the matters and consideration is being given to expand the recognition of vaccine certification. ANI quoted an official from the British High Commission who confirmed that the government is "continuing to work on expanding the policy to countries and territories across the globe in a phased approach."

The UK has started accepting travellers this year after a long gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as per reports, more than 60,000 students have been given education visas this year, until June 2021. Efforts are being made to ensure their travel and entry procedure is eased. 

Officials from the India's National Health Authority have mentioned that India has been following a 'centralised national system' via the CoWIN app and no concerns have been reported regarding the same as the certificates are being issued in compliance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols and standards.

Also Read: Self-paid RTPCR test mandatory for selected international travellers arriving at CSIA

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