Everyone will have to undergo medical checkup upon arrival in India (Representational)
Only Indian nationals stranded in foreign nations due to the coronavirus outbreak will be brought back from abroad by air, land and sea, the centre today said, announcing what is expected to turn out the world's largest evacuation exercise. A list of stranded people is being prepared by the foreign ministry in consultation with the embassies, the government said. The list will not include the OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) card holders, who have multiple-entry life-long visas. The OCIs who are in the country can, however, stay indefinitely, the centre said.
Here are the top 5 things about the evacuation of Indians stranded abroad due to coronavirus lockdown:
The government is expected to operate 64 flights and three ships to bring back the stranded Indians. The journeys will begin from May 7 in a phased manner. Naval warships will bring back Indians from West Asia and the Maldives.
Priority will be given to migrant workers who have been laid off, short-term visa holders faced with expiry of visa, persons with medical emergency, pregnant women, the elderly, those who need to return due to the death of a family member and students, the government said.
The passengers will be screened before boarding the flight and only those asymptomatic will be allowed. All passengers will be required to follow protocols of the ministries of health and civil aviation, the government said.
The travelers will bear the cost of travel. Those coming from Europe on the special flights will be charged around Rs 50,000. The fare for those returning from the US will be around Rs 1 lakh.
After reaching India, everyone shall register on the Aarogya Setu App and undergo medical checkup. The states will have to ensure 14-day quarantine for the passengers in hospitals or other institutions for which the passengers will be charged. After the quarantine, they will be tested again for coronavirus.
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