NEW DELHI: Union Foreign Affairs Ministry has opened control rooks to bring back expatriates stranded abroad in the wake of COVID-19. The union cabinet secretary held discussions with chief secretaries on the details regarding the arrangements taken in the state on the repatriation of expatriates, via video conferencing. Indians stranded abroad will be brought back in a special flight. The authorities have started collecting the details of those wishing to return. Everyone will reach at the nearest airport of their homes. They will be permitted to go home only after the isolation period.

The count of the people who went on a visiting visa will be taken. Fishermen will be considered first. The count of students trapped in countries worst hit by COVID will be taken. Most probably they will be brought back first. Once airlines start services the return of expats will be possible.

Meantime, Kerala started taking measures to bring back the expatriates. Registration via NORKA will start from today. Officials said there is no need for a rush. Reports said women including pregnant ladies and children are given top priority.