Travel costs must be affordable to all: Indian community leaders

The cost of flying if not free must be at least economical for all, said community members.

Following the Indian government's decision to begin repatriation of stranded Indians on May 7, Indian community leaders in the UAE have expressed concerns that most distressed persons wishing to fly out are not in a position to pay exorbitant flight charges to return home. The cost of flying if not free must be at least economical for all, said community members.
Community members have also said for severely distressed individuals, the government must make facilities to provide travel facilities free-of-charge.
Ibrahim Elettil, the president of the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) said, "I thank the Indian government for taking this step as it will hugely benefit the several thousand stranded Indians wishing to return home, especially those who are not Covid-19 positive. Special thanks also go to the Kerala government for taking all necessary precautions to welcome NRIs back home."
Advocate Ibrahim Khaleel, secretary and legal centre chairman of the Dubai chapter of KMCC said, "Most wishing to travel have been unemployed for several months or have not been paid for two to three months at least. They do not have money to buy food. If the government is going to charge Dh1,000 and above for the ticket, they are not going to be able to afford it." He added, "We are of the strong opinion that they either provide free travel option or subsidize the cost of travel."
Meanwhile, president of the Sharjah Indian Association EP Johnson raised similar concerns and said special provisions must be made for labourers.
"There are so many who cannot afford food. How are they supposed to go back? My second concern is - the government has said medical screenings will be conducted - does that mean they will undergo Covid tests," asked Johnson.
The official release from the Press Information Bureau has said the medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel. However, details of the screening process and whether they would undergo Covid-19 tests are yet to be made clear.
Indian social worker Naseer Vatanapally said, "If the government is going to make Covid-19 tests mandatory for passengers who want to travel, free rapid tests must be provided to passengers as well."
Roop Sidhu, the general secretary of the Indian Association in Ajman also raised similar concerns. He said, "It cannot be a hard and fast rule that everyone should pay and go. Special privileges must be made for housemaids, people who come here on visit visas, and extremely distressed cases. People are relying on the Consulate and the association donated food will not be able to afford air tickets."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com 

• UAE