3.20 lakh Keralites from 150 countries register online for return as govt sets up plan to bring them in kerala-221, kerala

Kerala has finalised its plan to bring back migrants as CM Pinarayi Vijayan reviewed the preparations and the state expects that the evacuation may start on May 4. So far, around 3,20,463 have registered online to return to the state from 150 countries.

erala has finalised its plan to bring back migrants and set up a high level committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Home to coordinate with the government at the Centre and other departments. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reviewed the preparations and the state expects that the evacuation may start on May 4.

So far, around 3,20,463 have registered online to return to the state from 150 countries. Out of them, 2,23,624 persons are with job visas, 57,436 tourists and 20,219 dependents. Around 7,276 students in foreign universities have also registered for their return to the state.

Kerala has requested Centre to provide passenger details soon after they board the flight from the airports to avoid delay on their arrival.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan told media that the state has made all arrangements to quarantine the returnees from foreign destinations and for medical care.

"Before boarding the flight and on arrival, the returnees have to undergo medical screening. The state government will deploy the medical team at the airports to screen the passengers. Asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to go home in vehicles monitored by police," Pinarayi Vijayan said.

"If anyone doesn't have facilities at home to remain in quarantine, they can opt for Corona care homes, near airports. But their luggage will not be released and kept at the locker room during the quarantine period. The state government will also arrange hotels, homestays and houseboats for NRIs who can afford to pay," the Kerala CM said.

The preliminary data on the returnees indicate that the maximum number of people who are going to return from gulf belongs to Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thrissur districts and constitute 60 per cent of the gulf returnees during post lockdown period.

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"These four districts have a maximum number of people working in the Gulf. Their return is certainly going to pose challenges for the state," Dr. Hafis Muhammed, a sociologist and writer told India Today.

Among the returnees who registered with NORKA website, 56,114 persons have stated that they have already lost their jobs and returning permanently to Kerala.

Among the returnees, 49,472 are skilled labourers and 67,136 are professionals. Their reverse migration will certainly pile up the unemployment rate in the state.

According to a government official, the first preference will be given to pregnant women, senior citizens and children in the evacuation bid.

"These three categories constitute around 30,000 people from the state. It may take a minimum 15 days to evacuate them in the first phase," the official said.