Modi government contemplates evacuation plan of nationals in Gulf post May 3

NEW DELHI: The Modi government is contemplating to evacuate those nationals facing difficulties owing to job losses in Gulf besides short term tourist visa holders besides students from certain zones facing challenge due to lockdown situation.

The Ministry of External Affairs is in consultation with various state governments to evacuate to respective states Indian citizens stranded abroad. Special commercial fights could operate after May 3, ET has learnt. The plan is in still in works.

Nationals who are facing compelling reasons due to job losses in parts of Gulf and financial constraints like short term tourist visa holders besides students in certain zones will be considered for repatriation.


Key to evacuation will be green signal from the state governments to provide quarantine facilities in respective states.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla made a detailed presentation on the proposed plan. It was also suggested that authorities should ensure that they come to India with Covid-19 negative certificates to help administration.

The government has been under pressure to undertake this evacuation and there are currently over 10 petitions in the court on the matter. Indian missions were asked to prepare lists of evacuees.

Stranded Indians have been mounting pressure on the government to be allowed back into the country ever since lockdown started. The PM and External Affairs Minister have constantly engaged with their respective counterparts for welfare of Indian citizens in respective countries.