Minister for Non-Resident Keralite Affairs (NoRKA) K.C. Joseph has said that the State government is constantly in touch with the Ministry for External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Yemen for the safe evacuation of Malayali workers from the strife-torn nation.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the Minister said that the State government was closely monitoring the situation in Yemen, which was facing air strikes by a Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition.
He said that the situation was serious as bombs had struck close to places where Indian were living.
The Indian community, which comprises a sizeable number of Keralites, was gripped by fear and anxiety ever since the air strikes began, he said, adding that the State government would do all to bring home the stranded Keralites.
The Minister said that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was in touch with Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj for an effective and speedy evacuation. The Centre had readied two planes for airlifting Indians from Yemen, he said.
As the planes had to fly over Saudi Arabia, which was involved in the conflict, the Centre had to get clearance for the airlift. Saudi Arabia had already lifted the ban on flights, and agreed to allow evacuation, he said.
Referring to a report that the Indian Embassy was demanding $1,000 from the Indians in Yemen for the evacuation, Mr. Joseph said that it was a baseless charge. The Indian Ambassador had already stated that the Embassy was in close touch with the Indians there.
‘Return now’
The Minister also said that the Keralites among the Indians being evacuated would be allowed to stay at the Kerala Houses in New Delhi and Mumbai before they would be brought home by air.
Mostly nurses
An estimated 3,500 Indians were believed to be stranded in Yemen now, he said, noting that 70 per cent of them were Keralites, mostly nurses.
Stating that there was no need for any concern, Mr. Joseph said that both the State and the Union governments had efficiently handled evacuation initiatives in the past.
Mr. Joseph urged the Keralites working in Yemen to leave and not wait for payment of their salaries. It was not advisable to stay there as the situation was likely to worsen, he said.
Even people with their passports held by the employer should leave as the Indian Embassy had promised to issue them temporary passports.
Mr. Joseph also complimented the Indian Embassy for its concerted and diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of the Indians living there.
Two planes readied to airlift stranded Indians
