The High Commission of India in Maldives confirmed this via Twitter on Monday night.

It said that work is underway to repatriate Indians in Maldives and that the first phase will begin on May 8; an Indian Navy Ship is to take 700 Indian nationals from capital Malé City to Cochin.

Noting that this is the first phase of the repatriation process, the high commission said that it is reaching out to Indian national that wish to travel “on compelling grounds” such as those with medical emergencies including pregnant women, stranded tourists and migrant workers who have lost their jobs.

The Indian government plans to facilitate return of Indian nationals stranded abroad, with the work to begin on May 7 “in a phased manner”.

Embassies and high commissions in the respective countries are to prepare a list of “distressed Indian citizens” and their travel is to be arranged by aircraft as well as Navy ships.

They will be screened prior to travel, and have to follow protocols issued by the country’s health ministry and ministry of civil aviation.

The returnees will also be quarantined for 14 days, either in a hospital or in an institutional quarantine “on payment-basis”. COVID-19 tests are to be carried out after this period.

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