A health worker takes swab samples from a girl evacuated from Dubai by an Air India flight upon the girl's arrival at the airport in Chennai, India on May 9, 2020. Two flights landed early Saturday in the southern Indian city of Chennai, bringing back 356 evacuees from Dubai, officials said. (Str/Xinhua)
NEW DELHI, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Two flights landed early Saturday in the southern Indian city of Chennai, bringing back 356 evacuees from Dubai, officials said.
"Glad to welcome returning Indians from Dubai. Two Air India express flights have arrived in Chennai carrying 356 people," India's federal foreign minister S. Jaishankar wrote on twitter.
The evacuees were tested by medical teams and quarantined as per the safety protocols issued by the federal government.
According to the officials, priority was given to workers in distress, elderly people, urgent medical cases, pregnant women and others stranded in difficult situation.
"Strict health protocols were followed by the Indian missions in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain before the shortlisted passengers were allowed to board the flight for India," state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said.
During the ongoing evacuation plan, more flights from several countries have been scheduled until May 15. As per officials, India planned to operate 64 flights to repatriate stranded Indians from abroad.
Officials said the embassies and consulates in the foreign countries were working overtime with the help of the Indian community to shortlist the passengers for these special flights.
Meanwhile, the Indian navy ship INS Jalashwa, carrying 698 Indian nationals, sailed off from Maldives capital of Male on Friday evening and is likely to reach Kochi on Sunday.
"Another ship of Indian navy INS Magar is expected to bring back 200 Indians to Tuticorin on Sunday and preparations for it has also begun," AIR said. "The two ships will repeat the exercise next week carrying another 900 people back."
Currently, a ban is in force on domestic and international flight operations. However, international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are exempted from the restrictions.
A nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25 is underway in India to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. It is likely to end on May 17. Enditem
