Karnataka to bring back 10,823 people from abroad

Karnataka will bring back 10,823 people stranded in other countries after the Centre’s directive in this regard.

On Wednesday (April 29), the Centre allowed states to bring back people stranded within and outside the country. Karnataka’s 10,823 includes 4,408 tourists and visitors; 3,074 students; 2,784 migrants and professionals; and 557 ship crew. The decision was announced by Minister Suresh Kumar who is in charge of the COVID-19 updates in the state.

They all would be screened at the airport. Requisite arrangements were in place to quarantine them and treat them in case they tested positive, the government said.

“People from Karnataka are stranded in countries including Canada (329), the US (927), the UAE (2,575), Qatar (414), and Saudi Arabia (927),” Suresh Kumar said.

Migrants stranded within India

Talking about migrants stuck within the country, the minister said the state was assessing the numbers and would take a call soon. However, for people from Karnataka who were stranded in Gujarat, the state had already made arrangements to bring them back in buses.

Similarly, the government instructed Deputy Commissioners concerned of all districts to make arrangements to bring back stranded people. The government on April 25 made arrangement for migrants from North Karnataka who were stuck in Mangaluru.