Thimphu: Around 140 Bhutanese people living in Kuwait have been brought home in a flight on Sunday amid the spread of COVID-19 around the world.

They are part of Bhutanese nationals brought from various countries and regions across the world through the second phase of the repatriation flight arranged by the government of Bhutan.

According to the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan, the second phase of repatriation flights for its citizens staying in other countries and regions began from April 18, which include flights being arranged for the first time to Middle East countries including Kuwait, as per the ministry.

Around 2,000 people mostly students are expected to bring home through the second phase flights. The government has arranged buses to bring home people from nearby Indian states too.

The government has started sending first phase of flights since April 8.

In the coming days, the government will send flights to Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Ahmadabad and Bangalore in India. More than 400 people including students and others are expected to return from India.

Every person returning home were sent to quarantine facilities on arrival and were kept in quarantine for 21 days.

In the meantime, Foreign Minister of Bhutan Tandin Dorji said around 14 Bhutanese nationals residing in various countries and regions across the world has tested positive for COVID-19. Of which, till date, two people were reported to have fully recovered.

While Bhutan has no new cases, the government has heightened the prevention measures as hundreds of people are being sent home on completing 21-day quarantine period.  

http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-04/19/content_75951577.htm