Indians stranded abroad to be brought back in phased manner from 7 May

May 4: The evacuation of lakhs of Indian citizens stranded abroad because of the coronavirus-induced lockdown will begin from May 7 in a phased manner. A statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the return of Indian nationals would be arranged by both aircraft and naval ships and a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been prepared. For air travel, non-scheduled commercial flights will be arranged and this facility would be made available on a payment basis, said the government.

Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. All passengers will be screened before they are allowed to board flights for their return, and only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel. During the journey, they will have to follow the protocols such as those issued by the Health Ministry and the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Government of India to facilitate return of Indian Nationals stranded abroad.

Process to begin from May 7 in a phased manner.@MEAIndia & @MoCA_GoI to soon share detailed info on their websites.#COVIDー19#IndiaFightsCoronavirus

Press Release 👇https://t.co/XPYsKYoiJ9 pic.twitter.com/cBrYUKT6Yl

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) May 4, 2020

Upon reaching their destination, the passengers would also have to download the government’s contract tracing Aarogya Setu app. After scrutiny, they will be quarantined for 14 days, either in a hospital or in an institutional quarantine on payment-basis, by the state government concerned. Covid-19 tests will be done after 14 days and further action will be taken according to health protocols.