The Indian government will start facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad in a phased manner starting May 7.

The return, based on compelling grounds, will be on 'payment-basis' through aircrafts and naval ships.

The government announced today evening that a standard operating protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard.

As reported by IN a few days ago, the Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens who want to return home at the earliest (<a href="https://indianarrative.com/india/time-to-bring-indians-back-home-1465.html">https://indianarrative.com/india/time-to-bring-indians-back-home-1465.html</a>)

Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel from May 7 and medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel.

During the journey, all these passengers would have to follow the protocols, such as the health protocols, issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

On reaching the destination, everyone would have to register on the Arogya Setu app.

Everyone would be medically screened; 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.

The Ministries of External Affairs and Civil Aviation would soon share detailed information about it through their websites.

State governments are also being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective states..