The first repatriation flight of Air India Express IX419 to take off from Kochi (Kerala) for Abu Dhabi today.
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- Published: May 7, 2020 21:49
New Delhi: In one of the largest evacuation exercises named the Vande Bharat Mission, the government is operating 64 flights from Thursday evening till 13th May to bring home nearly 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad due to the coronavirus lockdown. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Tuesday urged the stranded individuals to stay in touch with the Indian embassies in their countries.
The 64 flights will include 10 flights from the UAE, 2 from Qatar, 5 from Saudi Arabia, 7 from UK, 5 from Singapore, 7 from the United States, 5 from the Philippines, 7 from Bangladesh, 2 from Bahrain, 7 from Malaysia, 5 from Kuwait and 2 flights from Oman.
Out of the total, fifteen flights will bring back people to Kerala followed by eleven flights each to Tamil Nadu and Delhi. Seven flights will be flying back people to Maharashtra and Telangana whereas five flights are slated for Gujarat. The Maximum number of flights in the first week of repatriation will bring back citizens from the Gulf countries. More than 350 Indians from UAE are flying back home today.
Navy’s INS Jalashwa reaches Maldives to repatriate Indians
Indian navy ship INS Jalashwa reached Maldives capital of Male today as part of efforts to repatriate Indian nationals from foreign shores. The program named Samudrasetu by Indian navy entails to bring back around two thousand Indians in two ships during the first phase of evacuation.
Indian high commission in Male is busy giving final touches to repatriation tomorrow which will bring around 700 Indian nationals to Kochi. Those finalized for travel have been advised on emigration requirements and other formalities while designated pickups have been arranged for transport from capital Male. Preference has been given to medical emergencies, stranded tourists, pregnancy cases and migrant workers suffering job losses.
Another ship of Indian navy INS Magar is expected to bring back over a thousand Indians to Tuticorin next week and preparations for it has also begun.