Muscat: The Indian government will begin to facilitate the return of its nationals stranded abroad including Oman from May 7 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the facilitation begins from May in a phased manner.

“Government of India will be facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard,” the statement said.

According to sources, Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens.

“This facility would be made available on payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. The travel would begin in a phased manner from May 7,” the statement said.

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 protocol,” the statement explained.

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

“State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.,” the statement added.