Stranded abroad because of COVID-19? Government finally has a plan to get you back if you have a "compelling" reason

Have you been stranded outside India because of the global lockdowns initiated to contain COVID-19? Government of India finally has a plan to get you back home. There are, however, some riders.

The government, in a statement, said the process will begin from May 7 and travel will be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. It said, the returns will be facilitated on "compelling grounds" in a phased manner.

It said, "Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. This facility would be made available on  payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel."

The statement further said, "Medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel."

On reaching the destination, everyone would have to register on the Aarogya Setu app, it said, adding, "After scrutiny, they would be quarantined for 14 days, either in a hospital or in an institutional quarantine on payment-basis, by the concerned State government. COVID test would be done after 14 days and further action would be taken according to health protocols."