Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting urgent assistance for Indian expatriates stuck in Gulf countries due to flight shortages and high ticket prices.
Vijayan emphasized the challenges faced by numerous Indians, especially Keralites, who are unable to return home from the Gulf due to limited flight options. He urged the Indian government to work with airlines to increase services from Gulf countries to India, focusing on priority destinations and Tier-2 cities.
The Chief Minister proposed a centralized registration system through Indian missions or an online portal to prioritize repatriation for vulnerable groups like the sick, elderly, pregnant women, children, and those in financial need.
Vijayan also highlighted the exorbitant fares charged by airlines for chartered flights, making travel unaffordable for many expatriates. He called for government intervention to regulate ticket prices and prevent exploitation during the crisis.
Addressing the plight of Indians on tourist or visit visas in the Gulf, as well as those stranded in transit due to flight cancellations, Vijayan urged the establishment of a dedicated helpline or registration channel for their assistance.
