According to the latest data from the Indian ministry, there are 1,400 cases of COVID-19 infections among Indian expats in the region. The Khaleej Times reported that the Indian government has advised expats in the UAE and the Gulf against travel till flight curbs to their home country are lifted.
This follows the clamour from some quarters for special repatriation flights to India.
A senior Indian External Affairs Ministry (foreign ministry) official said Indian citizens are safe in the countries they reside in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to leaders of Gulf countries who assured him of their welfare, the Indian foreign ministry said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, according to a Malayalam news report, also ruled out special flights.
Cargo flights carrying fruits and vegetables from India to the Gulf have not been disrupted and would continue, as usual, said Vikas Swarup, Secretary West in the foreign ministry. “We are also helping with medicines based on the requests of Gulf countries,” he said.
Swarup said infected Indians are being treated and kept in isolation in the UAE and Gulf. “Our missions have established contact with all the community leaders and the situation is under control,” he said.
Eight million India expats live in the Gulf, including close to three million in the UAE. They account for more than 60 percent of remittances to their home country.
