New Delhi (NVI): The first batch of over 700 Indian nationals will begin their journey back home via Indian Navy ship INS Jalashwa that docked at Male today, as part of ‘Samudra Setu’ (Sea Bridge) mission by the Indian government.
The evacuation process began in the morning with the premises of Male airport being utilised as a staging area for evacuees. The process of screening people and issuing them with IDs was carried out, Indian Navy said.
“As per the latest manifest, a total of 732 evacuees have registered so far. This includes 19 pregnant women and 14 children,” the Navy said in a statement.
The Naval ship will take approximately 48 hours to reach India at Kochi port where arrangements have been made in advance for proper screening and check-up of the evacuees for any coronavirus symptoms. The MHA has issued SOPs in this regard.
The Ministry of Home Affairs recently announced that the Indian government will facilitate the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a phased manner from May 7.
