Ministry of External Affairs Plans Out Evacuation of Indians Stuck Abroad

Ministry of External Affairs appoints state-level coordinators on May 6, 2020. This is to ensure close coordination between various Ministries, State governments and the Center. They have to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of Indians stranded around the world because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Ministry constituted a team of seventeen members from the Ministry of External affairs itself. The plan is to evacuate over 14,000 Indians from 13 countries. The plan of evacuation will begin from May 7, 2020, as stated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Highlights of the Plan

Indian Flights will fly to Philippines, United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangladesh, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, United States of America and the United Arab Emirates. Being that, the first day ten flights will evacuate 2300 Indians. However, before boarding the flight medical screening of passengers would be done. The passengers with no symptoms of COVID-19 allowed travelling. Moreover, on reaching the destination passengers have to register on Arogya Setu App. They have to undergo medical screening after reaching the destination as well. The concerned state governments will quarantine them for 14 days on payment basis. Thereafter, COVID-19 test would be conducted on them and further action will be taken according to the health protocols. The state governments have to make arrangements for testing and quarantine centres in their states.