A large number of foreign nationals live in India, especially in large metropolitan areas

In another step towards increasing vaccination coverage, foreign nationals residing in the country can now get their Covid-19 vaccination in India.

They will need to register themselves on the CoWin portal using their passport as an identity document. Once they are registered on this portal, they will get a slot for vaccination, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday.

The move will ensure the safety of the large number of foreign nationals who 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 health ministry said.

While ensuring 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.

This will ensure overall safety from further transmission of COVID-19 virus, the health ministry pointed out.

The National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme is being implemented across all states and Union Territories (UTs) since January 16 this year.

Beginning with healthcare and frontline workers in its initial phases, the vaccination programme now covers all citizens aged 18 years and above.

According to official data till Monday, India has administered more than 51 crore (510 million) vaccine doses across the country.