The Government has reached a decision to repatriate Rwandan nationals who have been stranded in different parts of India due to restriction of movement and suspension of international flights. There are about 130 Rwandans who are stranded in India since the closure of international travel, according to Rwanda’s Embassy in New Delhi. Jacqueline Mukangira, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India told The New Times that a deal has been reached with RwandAir to repatriate nationals early next month. “We have agreed with RwandAir to facilitate Rwandans to travel back home. If nothing changes, the plane will arrive in Mumbai on July 2,” she said in a phone interview. Mukangira said they have made a formal request to India’s External Ministry to authorise Rwanda to repatriate its nationals, and requested landing clearance for RwandAir. Many of the Rwandans stuck in India are students and patients who went for treatment. The national carrier is expected to repatriate nearly 100 Rwandans who have already expressed interest to return home, including Indian nationals operating business in Rwanda. In April, the government finalised a deal with RwandAir to repatriate Rwandans from abroad, particularly those working and studying in the United States of America. The airline has been operating flights every Friday to and from Brussels.
