(a) whether the Government allows foreign citizens on tourist visa to learn yoga in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the date from which it was allowed;
(c) whether there has been a comparative increase in the number of foreign tourists arriving in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has informed the concerned FROs and other concerned agencies; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) to (f): Attending a short term yoga programme was included in the list of permissible activities under Tourist Visa on 30th May, 2016. These instructions were circulated to all Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (F.R.R.O.s), Foreigners Registration Officers (F.R.O.s) and other concerned stakeholders. Details of foreign tourists who arrived in the country during last three years are as under:
Year Foreigners Arrival on Tourist Visa
2016 43,97,592
2017 54,63,642
2018 (up to 30.11.2018) 51,33,355
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