Covid-19: Around 900 Malaysians stuck in Tamil Nadu – Times of India

CHENNAI: Around 900 Malaysian citizens, who are on a visit to India as tourists, patients and pilgrims, are stuck in southern states due to a central government directive banning all flights to and from the country.
Many of have left their children back home and a few face financial difficulties, as extended stay in hotels does cost them.
Clutching valid visas and flight tickets, they have now been knocking on the doors of their consulate in Chennai seeking early resolution of the deadlock. The consulate itself is in an unenviable position as it can do little to influence the Government of India’s policy decision taken in view of the unfolding Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have received details of about 800 to 900 citizens stranded here. Airlines have cancelled the flights because of the ban order issued by the director-general of civil aviation, dated March 17. We have counselled our citizens to be patient, as both the governments are discussing the issue. It is a government-to-government problem, over which we can do little here,” said K Saravanan, Malaysian consul-general for south India.
Asked about a group of Malaysian nationals seen arguing with airport officials in Trichy, Saravanan said: “We have directed our consular staff in Trichy to offer all possible help to them. We are hoping that the issued would be resolved soon.”
As for Government of India’s response, he said, “so far we have not received any information. It is a G-to-G issue.”
In its March 17 additional advisory, the DGCA further tightened the travel and visa restrictions imposed through circulars on March 12 and 16, saying: “Travel of passengers from Afghanistan, the Philippines and Malaysia to India is prohibited with immediate effect. No flight shall take off from these countries to India after 1500 hours IST. The airline shall enforce this at the port of initial departure.”
Noting that the temporary measure would be reviewed on March 31, the advisory further said: “All scheduled Indian and foreign airlines engaged in international air transportation to/from India, therefore, are directed to follow the above advisory and not to carry any passenger in violation thereof.”