Please see below the latest updates from key South Asia markets on the situation on the ground during the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has affected education, business, travel etc. These are highly dynamic and will frequently change. Do get in touch on the email below if you have any questions.

India, Pakistan Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are now on the UK's red list of travel ban countries, though students with valid visas will be allowed to enter the UK and will need to follow quarantine and testing guidelines.

India

Covid-19 cases in India show a dip in numbers since the country was hit by a second wave in March 2021. Daily recovery numbers continue to outnumber daily cases. In last 10 days India records 34000 to 48000 daily cases. Currently there are 467048 active cases in the country. So far, over 350 million vaccines have been given. The government of India aims to vaccinate all adults by the end of this year.

Education

All class 12^th final exams have been cancelled across the country, carried out by both the   national (CBSE and CISCE ) and state assessment boards.An alternative evaluation formula has been developed and schools have been given responsibility to ensure objectivity and rationalisation of marks.  A choice however is being provided to students who may like to take the exams and which would be possible when the conditions permit.  With all these changes and the highest court in the country directive, the evaluation results for class 12 students will declared by 31 July 2021. Please read more here. 

Even though most states emerges out of COVID and give more relaxations, schools and colleges are reopening with online learning from July.  Only a handful of states are starting physical classes with new guidelines like permitting only 50% class capacity, conducting two shifts, keeping staggered timelines etc and conforming to strict covid protocols.

Travel

While international travel has resumed in phases and with few precaution clauses like having RT-PCR negative report, compulsory quarantine, countries like UAE has further banned flights from India until further notice and India continues to be in UK travel red-list.

Pakistan

The Covid-19 cases have continued to drop over the last few weeks, with an average of under 1000 cases per day across the country. Pakistan's coronavirus positivity rate dipped below 2% as the country continues to see a gradual improvement in the pandemic situation. The vaccination drive is picking up pace with an average of 300k vaccines/day being administered across the country. The government aims to vaccinate 70m people by the end of this year.

Businesses, shopping malls, tourism sector, transport, hotels, amusement parks etc have opened with strict compliance to the SOPs.

Education

As a result of the improving situation, the education sector of Pakistan has gradually opened from 24 May. Face to face classes has resumed from primary schools to universities. Board exams have been scheduled from 2nd week of July and will continue till end of July; however, students will only appear in exams of elective subjects.

Travel

International flights are allowed to the country, however, travellers from certain countries listed in Category C, are barred from entering the country. International passengers arriving from UK to Pakistan will be required to undergo health screening at the airport and they must provide negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test. Pakistan is on the UK’s travel red list.

Bangladesh

The country has extended its lockdown to July 14 to combat a surge in coronavirus cases .

With 164 new coronavirus deaths on Monday, the country records its highest daily rise since the pandemic began, taking the death toll to 15,229. It also reported the highest-ever number of new daily infections at 9,964, with the total standing at 954,881.

Factories can operate observing health protocols while all offices and transportation remain shut except essential goods carriers and ambulances.

Education

All educational institutions across Bangladesh remain closed.

O and A level candidates received school assessed grades as the government did not allow Cambridge to hold scheduled examination on April 26 while Pearson in February cancelled its International General Certificate of Secondary Education, which is equivalent to O-level, and International AS/A-Level globally.

Travel

International commercial passenger flights are operating with restrictions.

Nepal

The country's COVID-19 positivity rate stood at 21.4 % on 4 July. Lockdown in Kathmandu valley continues till 15 July with further relaxations, though activities leading to mass gathering is still not permitted

Education

Educational institutions (Schools, colleges, tuition centres, training centres) are not allowed to operate physically/. However, Education institutions can operate teaching activities through online and virtual method. Students going for abroad studies, interview and exams conducted by diplomatic mission will be facilitated following health protocols. Language tests can be conducted after receiving pre-approval from DAO adhering to safety protocols.

Travel

All vehicles are prohibited to enter Kathmandu valley except essential supplies, ambulances carrying patients and patient’s caretaker, and health workers, veterinary personnel, and security forces. Public vehicles with more than 25 seats capacity to operate on odd even rule in Kathmandu Valley following health protocol from 06:00 am to 07:00 p.m.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka continues to report 2,000 cases daily. Both government and private offices are advised to run with minimum capacity. Any kind of social gatherings, outdoor activities, leisure, religious and cultural celebrations are not allowed in the country currently.

Education

Schools, universities, and private education institutions are still closed indefinitely and classes are being conducted virtually.

Travel

Limited public transport is allowed within districts and inter provinces travel is still restricted. Airports are operational, however entering the country requires 14 day of compulsory quarantine.

If you have any questions please write to BCEducationServices@britishcouncil.org