Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Tuesday prepared guidelines for non-resident Keralites, who wish to return from their host countries after the resumption of airline services.
The government expects three to five lakh returnees from various foreign countries.
Those who wish to come back should register their names with NORKA's special website, which is under construction.
The government will consider applications of those who are tested negative for COVID-19.
However, the registration will not serve as a criteria for ticket booking, according to a notification from the government.
Here are the guidelines
• Symptomatic passengers will be transferred from airports to quarantine centres or COVID-19 hospitals. All belongings of the passenger, including luggage, will be stored at the centre.
•Asymptomatic passengers will be permitted to travel home. However, these individuals will be home-quarantined by the health department for 14 days. Relatives will not be allowed to receive passengers at the airport. No person besides the driver is permitted in the private vehicle carrying the passenger.
• Individuals are also allowed to quarantine themselves at hotels or resorts at their expense.
• The time gap required from the date of testing to the date of travel will be determined by the health department.
• NRI forums will be entrusted with the responsibility of arranging testing facilities for the returning expats.
• Airline services' timetable, number of bookings, number of transit passengers and so forth will be determined on the basis of the discussions between the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the chief secretary.
• Airlines should avoid overcharging passengers.
•The health department is expected to take over the screening process at airports. A protocol will also be prepared for passengers leaving Kerala.
Priority list
Top prioroty for return will be given to Keralites living abroad after the expiry of visit visa. Here's the order of priority:
• Keralites living abroad after the expiry of their visit visa
• Elderly
• Pregnant women
• Children
• Patients
• Expats with expired visa
• Kerala students with expired student visa
• Expats who have completed jail term
• Others
