Kerala HC asks Centre to bear travel expense of foreign returnees in need

Kerala High Court has asked Central government to assist return of stranded citizens amid COVID-19 outbreak if y are facing difficulties in paying for flight tickets. A bench of Chief Justices Shaji P Chaly and MR Anitha issued an interim order on PILs concerning return and welfare of Indians stranded abro, particularly Gulf countries.

 "...We observe that in case, any expatriate expresses difficulty to pay flight charges and if it is found to be genuine, embassy and missions of Government of India may take steps in coordination with or n-government organizations abro for transportation of such persons if y have secured necessary registration with appropriate authorities for ir repatriation," bench said.

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On Friday, court was told that citizens stranded abro can register to book tickets through application released by Indian Embassies. For citizens belonging to Kerala, bench was told that RKA (n-Resident Keralites Affairs) registration of n-residents wishing to return to India was also available at web site. total number of n-resident Keralites registered as on May 6 stood at 4,52,039.

Kerala High Court was informed regarding preparations to evacuate citizens from Gulf countries by Central and State governments, including quarantine protocol.

Furr, Bench was apprised that government is prioritizing return of migrant workers who have been laid off, short term visa holders faced with expiry of visas, persons with medical emergency/pregnant women/ elderly and citizens required to return to India due to death of family member and students.

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Court refrains from passing order

dressing concerns expressed by certain petitioners, Central government Counsel Suvin R Men assured court that dal ncies, through Indian embassies, were available to provide any medical assistance needed by Indians stranded abro during crisis. court, refore, refrained from passing any orders on this matter as well.

court ded, "... it is quite evident and clear that Government of India has taken equate steps to redress grievances of expatriates taking into account prevailing circumstances, in country, internationally and state-specific.

We are also hopeful and confident that all possible steps would be taken hereafter also to alleviate ir grievances, and furr that Centre and State would work in tandem to achieve aim of repatriation and consequential actions."

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(With inputs from ANI)

(Im credits: PTI file photo)