Those with medical emergencies, pregnant women, students, the elderly and those who need to return to India due to the death of a family member will also be given preferences over others, according to the latest Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) released by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
Highlights:
- Standard Operating Protocols requires Indians desirous of returning to India to register themselves with the Indian Missions.
- Priority will be given to the persons with medical emergencies, pregnant women, students, elderly and those who need to return to India due to the death of a family member.
- Over 30 thousand Indians have returned home on Vande Bharat flights since 6 May 2020.
Thousands of Indian nationals have already returned to India under the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ initiated by the government of India to repatriate its citizens stranded due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday 458 Indians left Australia on Air India flights from Melbourne and Sydney. Over 30,000 Indians have returned home on Vande Bharat flights since 6 May 2020.
The new Standard Operating Protocols requires Indians wanting to return to register themselves with the Indian Missions in the country where they are stranded.
Source: twitter.com/HCICanberra
“The cost of the travel, as specified by the carrier, will be borne by such travellers,” the government said in a statement.
All travellers will also be required to giver an undertaking that they are making the journey at their own risk.
“MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) will display at least two days notice, the schedule (day, place and time of arrival) of the incoming flight/ship, on their online digital platform.”
Protocol for persons stranded in India
Since international travel of passengers is prohibited from India, the government has announced a protocol for people stranded in India and wanting to travel abroad.
According to the protocol, “Only those persons shall be allowed to travel to the destination countries, who are citizens of that country; who hold a visa of at least one-year duration of that country; and green card or OCI cardholder.”
However, the one-year-visa rule may be relaxed in cases of medical emergency or death in the family.
Source: twitter.com/HCICanberra
“In cases of medical emergency or death in the family, Indian Nationals holding six months visa can also be allowed,” reads the statement released by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
The passengers will have to undergo thermal screening, and only asymptomatic travellers would be allowed to board the flights.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
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