MHA issues SOP for evacuation of Indian nationals stranded abroad, priority to distressed

A day after Modi government anunced that it will be facilitating return of Indian nationals stranded in foreign countries, Ministry of Home Affairs has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for movement of returnees. In a major relief for Indians stranded abroad, Centre on Monday anunced that ir travel will be arranged via aircraft and naval ships in a phased manner.

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SOP for returning back to India

According to SOP, those wishing 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'll 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.

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Traveller database

Based on registrations received, MEA will prepare flight/ship wise database of all travellers, including details such as name, , , mobile phone number, place of residence, place of final destination; and information on RT-PCR test taken for COVID-19 infection and its result. This database will be shared by MEA with respective States/UTs in advance.

MEA will designate State/UT wise dal officers who will coordinate with dal officers appointed by respective State/UT.  MEA will display schedule (day, place and time of arrival) of incoming flight/ship on ir online platform with at least two days tice in advance.

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Centre to bring back Indians stranded abroad

Centre has said that  Indian High Commissions and embassies are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. However, it clarified that this facility is available on payment-basis and will begin in a phased manner on May 7. Centre added that only asymptomatic people will be allowed to travel after medical scrutiny. It also mandated installation of Aarogya Setu app and 14-day institutional quarantine on payment basis. State governments have been advised to make arrangements for testing, quarantine and ir journey onwards.

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