MHA gives nod to bring back 414 seafarers stranded in Italy through three special flights

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given special permission to bring 414 Indian seafarers stranded in Italy back to country through three special chartered flights. This comes after second phase of Vande Bharat Mission, which started on May 7 to bring stranded Indian nationals back home from or countries, was initiated on Saturday. Under second phase of Vande Bharat Mission a total of 149 flights, including feeder flights, will be operated to bring back Indians from 40 countries.

As per sources, three flights carrying seafarers will land directly at Dabolim airport. However, MHA said that it is subject to production of a -objection certificate/permission from competent authority in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

"MHA has objection to carrying out immigration functions in respect of 414 Indian nationals coming to India (Dabolim Airport, Goa) from Italy through three special chartered B-737 aircraft arranged by Costa Cruise company (tentatively on May 20, 2020)," MHA said in a memorandum.

airline operator shall also strictly adhere to guidelines regarding COVID-19 issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of External Affairs and DGCA, memorandum said.

READ: Amit Shah meets MHA officials ahead of anuncement of lockdown 4.0 guidelines

READ: MHA launches 'National Migrant Information System' to track ir movement across states

SOP for returning back to India

According to SOP, those who who wish to return to India must register mselves with Indian Missions in country where y are stranded, along with necessary details as prescribed by Ministry of External Affairs. y will have to travel to India by n-scheduled commercial flights that will be arranged by Civil Aviation Ministry (MoCA) and naval ships to be arranged by Department of Military Affairs (DMA). Only those crew/staff, who have tested negative for COVID-19, will be allowed to operate flight/ship.

MHA said priority will be given to compelling cases in distress including migrant workers/labourers who have been laid off, short term visa holders faced with expiry of visa, persons with medical emergencies/ pregnant women/ elderly, those required to return to India due to death of family member and students. cost of travel, as specified by MoCA and DMA will be borne by such travellers.

READ: FM Nirmala unveils India's Rs 20 lakh crore pack: FULL list of first 15 measures here

READ: Amit Shah lauds 'unprecedented assistance' given to farmers in phase 3 of ecomic pack

(With Inputs from ANI)

(Im credits: PTI)