Foreign Ministry gives stranded Kenyans in India another chance to return home

 

The Foreign Ministry has given Kenyans stranded in India  another chance to be able to fly back home

The Kenya High Commission in New Delhi is seeking details of the Kenyans wishing to return home following the extension of Covid-19 related restrictions on international flights in and out of India to 1st September, 2020.

The move comes after the Kenyan Government successfully arranged for the repatriation of a number of its citizens who were stranded in India due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions in the months of May, June and July.

In a statement released on Monday, High Commissioner Willy Bett notified all Kenyans who may be stranded in India and wish to return to Kenya before the Indian airspace is opened in September to compile and submit their information.

"Submit a list containing your names, passport numbers and telephone contacts to Kenya High Commission in New Delhi through email: visa@kenyahicom-delhi.com by end of business on August 12, 2020," the envoy said.

The information will assist this mission in deciding the next course of action that is helpful to mitigate the plight of stranded Kenyans.

The commissioner further stated that it is advisable that the Kenyans in India join virtual groups and notify this mission of their nominated representatives to ease coordination.

The public has also been notified that the Kenyan airspace is currently open to international flights but conditions must be fulfilled before anyone can travel to Kenya.

Individuals must be tested and obtain Covid-19 Negative certificate within seven days before departure and must be ready to undergo 14-day mandatory quarantine period imposed by the Government of Kenya upon arrival in Nairobi.

The Star has established the number of Kenyans who have been repatriated so far.

A source told the Star that over 1,000 Kenyans have been repatriated so far through two KQ flights and about three Vande Bharat Mission (Air India) flights.

KQ 205 carries around 220 people inclusive of staff approximating to 200 people in 5 flights.

"It is yet to be established how many Kenyans are here but we have requested them to send details. Once we have the data we shall be in a position to tell," our source stated.