640 Indians evacuated from coronavirus-hit China in complex operation: MEA

As concerns over coronavirus escalate, External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar apprised about evacuation of over 640 Indians from coronavirus-hit China. Over last weekend, Air India conducted two special flights to Wuhan in China, evacuating 647 Indians and seven Maldivians.

death toll from coronavirus outbreak in China crossed over 500 on Wednesday, as 65 more died in Hubei province, RT reported citing Chinese state TV.  Raveesh Kumar furr stated that complex evacuation operation was done with Beijing's assistance.

He added that apart from those evacuated, 10 or Indians have indicated that y want to come back from China but were unable to clear health screening process.

"We've successfully carried out evacuation of over 640 Indian nationals & seven Maldives nationals on 2 flights. It was a complex operation&we do appreciate support and facilitation extended by Government of China during this exercise," Kumar said.

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'Existing e-visas from China are longer valid'

MEA furr stated that rmal visas and all existing e-visas from China that have been issued are longer valid.

"All existing e-visas from China are longer valid. Similarly, rmal visas that have been issued are also more valid. Those who have compelling reasons to visit India, y can contact our Embassy or nearest consulates to apply for visa," he said.

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People Travelling To China Henceforth Will Be Quarantined On Return

Aviation regulator DGCA told airlines on Wednesday that any person who will henceforth travel to country will be quarantined on return. Among Indian airlines, IndiGo and Air India have suspended all of ir flights between two nations. SpiceJet continues to fly on Delhi-Hong Kong rout.

In its circular to domestic as well as international airlines, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, "People have already been advised to refrain from travel to China through an earlier advisory. People travelling to China henceforth will be quarantined on return."

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(With ncy Inputs)