Question : Stranded Indians Abroad

(a) whether the Government has received any requests from Indian nationals stranded in other countries for evacuation;

(b) if so, the details thereof including country-wise number of requests, age, gender, categories like student, tourists, etc.;

(c) whether the Government has provided any special assistance to the Indian nationals stranded abroad due to COVID-19;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the details of assistance provided to the Indians abroad; and

(f) the details of expenditure incurred in the missions for assistance?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRYOF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) & (b) Yes. In response to requests for repatriation from Indian nationals stranded abroad during Covid-19 lockdown, the Government launched the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM). As on 11th September, over 13,85,670 Indian nationals stranded abroad have been repatriated under the VBM. Country-wise and category-wise registration list of stranded Indians till date is attached at Annexure- I.

(c) to (f) Yes. The Government has extended assistance to the Indian nationals stranded abroad during Covid-19. Indian Missions abroad arranged for the welfare of Indian nationals, where required, including through Indian community associations. In some cases, arrangements were also made for screening and testing of stranded Indian nationals to enable them to return to India, as also for the movement of patients via air ambulances for their treatment in India. Total expenditure incurred by Missions towards assistance for Indian nationals in distress from the Indian Community Welfare Fund is approximately Rs. 22.5 Crores.

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