A press release by the Ministry of Home Affairs notifies that the Indian Government is facilitating the return of Indian Nationals stranded abroad in a phased manner, starting May 7, 2020. Another press release on the Indian Embassy’s website notifies that the Government of India is collecting data to facilitate special flights for return of such Indian nationals. The proposed flight schedule is also available on this notification. Indian nationals seeking to return to India should register their interest here. Passengers will also have to complete and submit a mandatory declaration prior to boarding the flight. 

The notification further clarifies that travelers need to bear their flight charges and are subject to a mandatory medical pre-screening prior to boarding the flight. Upon arrival into India, they are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a hospital or institutional quarantine on payment basis. After the 14-day quarantine, they will have to undergo a COVID-19 test and further action will be decided based on the outcome of the test. 

We urge Indian Nationals with compelling need to return home to make use of this opportunity.