Centre to aid return of Indians from abroad

New Delhi: Plans to bring back Indians stranded abroad due the coronavirus pandemic have been chalked out by the government and the process will begin from May 7 in a phased manner, the Union home ministry said on Monday, adding it will be a paid service.

In a statement, it said only people showing no symptoms of COVID-19 will be allowed to travel.

After arrival in India, their medical examination will be conducted and they will be subsequently put under quarantine for 14 days, either in a hospital or in an institutional facility, also on payment basis, the statement said. According to an estimate, the number of Indian nationals stranded abroad could be in lakhs.

Their travel would be arranged by the government by aircraft and naval ships.

“The government of India will be facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. The travel would begin from May 7,” the statement said.

The government has prepared a standard operating protocol and Indian embassies and high commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens in foreign countries.