New Delhi (NVI): Of a total number of 5,13,047 Indians abroad who have registered for evacuation under the Vande Bharat Mission, 3,64,209 have returned so far, while the next phase to repatriate Indian nationals is expected from July 3, the Government said
today.
In the first three phases of the Vande Bharat Mission, around 875 international flights were scheduled for operation from over 50 countries across 5 continents. So far, more than 700 of these flights have reached India, repatriating around 1,50,000 Indians. The remaining 175 flights under Phase 3 are expected to reach in the coming days, the Government said in a statement.
The Centre has said that it is committed to bringing back the remaining citizens particularly in the GCC countries, Malaysia, Singapore among other places.
“In order to continue with our efforts, Phase IV of VBM is being firmed up with effect from 3 July 2020, it said, adding that the next phase will particularly focus on countries where there are still large number of Indians who have registered to return.
Apart from these, chartered flight operations which commenced on 26 May, 2020 have steadily increased over the past weeks. These flights have also brought back seafarers and crews of shipping companies stranded in various places. Till date, 130061 persons have returned on these flights. Demand for these flights remains very high especially in the Gulf region. Therefore, we are moving to further streamline the process, the Government said.
Repatriations from neighbouring countries have also been happening through land borders. More than 84000 Indians have returned through land border immigration checkpoints from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Repatriations through naval ships have also been part of this Mission. One such repatriation is presently underway. INS Jalashwa reached Port of Bandar Abbas in Iran on 24 June to bring back Indian citizens and their embarkation will commence today.
