Vietnam repatriates citizens from India amid tightened lockdown

Nearly 340 Vietnamese nationals were brought home on May 20 from India, the first ones repatriated from one of the countries with the toughest lockdown measures.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau (4th from left) at New Delhi International Airport to repatriate Vietnamese citizens. Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in India

The repatriation flight took place as India is struggling with the rising infections of coronavirus that hit more than 112,000.

To make the flight possible, the Embassy of Vietnam in India had cooperated with different agencies to get travelling permits amid tightened lockdown throughout India.

Passengers at New Delhi airport. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau told Zing that the embassy had to hire three domestic flights to gather Vietnamese nationals at New Delhi for the repatriation flight.

He said the passengers had come from three flights and 66 coaches from 15 states across India before reaching New Delhi.

All passengers and crewmembers wear personal protective equipment. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

The passengers who are children under 18, the elderly, the sick, pregnant women, students whose dormitories closed, monks and nuns, Buddhist followers attending meditation courses, stranded visitors, workers of expired visa, and people on temporary mission.

On way from Ho Chi Minh City to New Delhi, Vietnam Airlines transported nearly three tons of medical supplies as pandemic relief to Indian people.

Passengers arrive at Can Tho International Airport in South Vietnam on May 20. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

Due to the severe outbreak, all passengers and crewmembers wear personal protective gear.

Earlier on May 18, two attendants of national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines tested positive with the coronavirus after a repatriation flight from Russia.

Due to the global increasing lockdown, Vietnam has been making efforts to repatriate its citizens.