THE Indian community in Bahrain has voiced concerns at New Delhi’s decision to impose mandatory quarantine on all international arrivals.
They have urged the Indian government to “rethink” – and “withdraw” – the decision, saying that majority of the Indians from the GCC are better guarded against the coronavirus (Covid -19).
India’s Health and Family Welfare on Friday announced a seven-day mandatory home quarantine on all international arrivals from today, in view of the rising prevalence of the Omicron variant.
On the eighth day, the travellers will have to undergo a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
Children aged under five years are exempt from both pre- and post-arrival testing.
An India-based registered non-government organisation, Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC), which has a Bahrain chapter, in its representation to the Indian government, said the decision was a violation of articles 14 (equality) and 21 (rights to life and liberty) of the Indian Constitution.
“Majority of expats in the GCC has taken Covid-19 vaccinations approved by the World Health Organisation, as well as the booster shots,” PLC Bahrain country head Sudheer Tirunilath told the GDN.
“They also undergo PCR test prior to travel and upon arrival.
“Meanwhile, in India the booster dose is still in its early stages, meaning the expat community is far better protected and immune against Covid-19.
“PLC believes that the decision is discriminatory because some people visit India only for a few days to attend certain rituals, such as funerals of loved ones.
“The blanket imposition of a seven-day mandatory quarantine on all international arrivals is nothing short of an unwanted and unnecessary condition that violates Indian constitutional rights.”
Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam president P V Radhakrishna Pillai also urged the Indian authorities to reconsider and revise the decision.
“More than 90 per cent of the expat population in the GCC, primarily Indians, are vaccinated with two doses and a booster shot,” he said.
“Unlike other countries, the GCC nations are at the forefront of precautionary measures and vaccination campaigns.”
He also noted that, unlike in the past, most Indians nowadays travel for emergencies rather than pleasure.
“The majority of the travels are for emergencies such as medical treatment, death, or marriage, and they last 10 days to two weeks.
“Their purpose is defeated if they have to be in quarantine for seven days.”
He added that it was unfortunate that India was taking such harsh decisions at a time when Bahrain was relaxing entry procedures for incoming passengers.
“We appreciate the home government’s concern and efforts to contain the spread, but we sincerely hope it is done in a balanced manner so that expats are not harmed.”
A family-of-four planning a trip to India expressed worries over the new obligation.
“It’s been three years since we have gone home and we had planned to do so many things in 30 days,” said Indian father-of-two Prashant Nair.
“We are all vaccinated with booster shots, and it is unfair to treat us as potential spreaders when there are no restrictions on any gatherings or functions in India.
“This is a major concern, and the uncertainty surrounding the new variants, their implications, potential lockdowns, and so on is exacerbating the situation.
“We urge authorities to reconsider this decision,” he said.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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