Govt allows foreign nationals to register for Covid vaccine in India through CoWin

Foreigners can use their passports as identity proof for registration. Govt said the initiative will counter possibility of Covid spread in metropolitan areas, where foreigners reside.

A foreign national, residing in Kullu, receives Covid vaccine in Himachal Pradesh, on 29 April 2021 | ANI File Photo

New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday allowed the foreign nationals residing in India to get registered on the CoWin portal to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

The foreign nationals can use their passport as identity proof for the purpose of registration on the CoWin portal, the ministry informed.

“A significant number of foreign nationals are living in India, especially in large metropolitan areas. In these areas, the potential of spread of Covid-19 is high due to higher population density. To counter any possibility of such occurrence, it is important to vaccinate all eligible persons,” the ministry stated.

Further, it added, “This initiative will ensure the safety of foreign nationals residing in India. It will also bring down the possibilities of further transfer of infection from unvaccinated persons residing in India. It will also ensure overall safety from further transmission of COVID-19 virus.”

India has administered over 51 crore vaccine doses across the country, as on August 9, the ministry informed.