European Union has lifted travel restrictions under its ‘Green Passport’ scheme, however, the members of the 27-nation grouping have shown reluctance in accepting Indian-made vaccine for its ‘vaccination passport’. This has triggered a face-off with New Delhi and India has warned to begin a reciprocal policy for recognition of the EU Digital Covid Certificate.
This means that unless the European Union approves India vaccines- Covishield and Covaxin certificate, they will not be accepted in India and EU citizens will be subjected to mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
What is European Union's Digital COVID certificate/ Green Passport?
The Green Pass can be used for unrestricted movement in all EU member states for business and tourism purposes. People who have received covid vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be eligible for this pass and would be free from travel restrictions within the nations that are a member of the European Union.
Individual member states have the option of accepting vaccines that have been approved at a national level or by the World Health Organization.
From Thursday, the European Union's Digital COVID certificate system/Green Pass will come into force, allowing free mobility during the COVID-19 epidemic.
What is the controversy regarding Indian vaccines?
As per sources, people who have received Covaxin and Covishield will not be able to travel to European union member states under the EU Green Pass scheme.
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According to the sources, India has demanded the EU to recognize the vaccination certificate given through the CoWIN platform.
"We have requested EU member states to individually consider extending the similar exception to those persons who have received COVID-19 vaccines in India, that is Covishield and Covaxin, and recognize the vaccination certificate issued through the CoWIN portal," said the source.
The source further added, "We have also conveyed to EU member states that India will institute a reciprocal policy for recognition of the EU Digital Covid Certificate,"
What is India’s Reciprocal policy?
India has told EU that unless it accepts Indian vaccine certificates, the country will not accept EU vaccine certificates and EU travelers will have to face mandatory quarantine upon arrival in India.
As per a source, "Upon notification of Covishield and Covaxin for inclusion in the EU Digital Covid Certificate and recognition of Indian CoWIN vaccination certificates, Indian health authorities would reciprocally exempt the EU member state concerned for exemption from the mandatory quarantine of all those persons carrying EU digital COVID certificate.”