With volcanic ashes continuing to disrupt international flights, the government on Tuesday decided to allow special landing permit or extension of visa to those stuck in India for 14 days. The Home Ministry said a large number of foreigners were stranded at different airports in India due to cancellation of flights on account of volcanic eruption in Iceland.

"To avoid hardship to such legitimate foreign travellers, it has been decided to allow special landing permit or extension of visa to them for a maximum period of 14 days without charging any fees," it said in a statement.

Such powers for extension of visa or issue of special landing permits can be exercised by immigration officers not below the rank of Inspector posted at the airports.