Coronavirus: Indian consulate in Hong Kong poised to work with government to fly home 700 residents stuck in South Asian country
- It is waiting for the Hong Kong government to make the direct request, but so far the administration has not moved
- India Association head accuses Hong Kong of dragging its feet and ‘double standards’, pointing to rescue operation of those stuck in Wuhan
The Indian consulate in Hong Kong has said it is poised to work with the city’s government to fly some 700 stranded residents out of the South Asian country, even as the administration remains non-committal.
“Some foreign governments have requested the government of India for permission to arrange special flights to bring back their nationals,” consul Ajith John Joshua said.
“If the government of Hong Kong … sends a similar proposal to the consul general of India in Hong Kong, we will process the proposal for obtaining necessary approvals from the government of India.”
The Hong Kong Security Bureau did not answer directly queries from the Post if it would arrange flights, saying only that the Immigration Department had provided “relevant information”, as well as “proper advice and practicable assistance” to those stranded in India.
The department would continue to provide help accordingly, a bureau spokesman said, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.