The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday issued the Standard Operating Protocols for the movement of Indian nationals stranded abroad due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and said the priority will be given to 'compelling cases in distress'.
The Centre on Monday had informed that the process of bringing back Indians stranded in foreign countries will begin from May 7 in a phased manner.
“Priority will be given to compelling cases in distress, including migrant labourers who have been laid off, short term visa holders faced with expiry of visas, persons with medical emergency, pregnant women, elderly, those required to return to India due to death of a family member and students,” the MHA said in a statement.
The ministry directed those stranded abroad to register themselves with the Indian Missions in the country where they are currently in, and made it clear that that the cost of the travel will be borne by the travellers. Commercial flights and naval ships will be arranged for their return.
All travellers must give an undertaking, before boarding, that they would undergo a mandatory institutional quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days on arrival in India at their own cost.
At the time of boarding, the passengers should undergo a thermal screening as per health protocol and only asymptomatic travellers would be allowed to board the flight or ship. Passengers arriving through land borders will also have to undergo the same protocols.
While on board the flight or ship, all the passengers, staff and crew members should follow the health protocols, including wearing of masks, environmental hygiene, respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene etc, the ministry said.
All passengers will have to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones.
The passengers will have to undergo thermal screening on arrival and those found to be symptomatic will be immediately taken to a medical facility. The remaining passengers shall be taken to suitable institutional quarantine facilities. If they test negative after 14 days, they will be allowed to go home, the MHA said.
