the goan I network
PANAJI
Approximately around 1600 foreign tourists were still in Goa held up due to the chaos triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic and will be flown back by their own countries beginning on April 3-4.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, Consular officials of some countries like Germany and others had contacted the State administration and informed that they will fly back their citizens by special chartered flights on April 3-4.
Excise Commissioner Amit Sateja, IAS, who has been appointed the nodal officer to deal with the foreign embassies and other Central government agencies involved is handling the matter, Sawant said.
Most of the foreign tourists held up in Goa hail from European countries and Russia.
There were reports that amidst the chaotic food and grocery supply situation playing out in the lockdown period, the stranded tourists were facing hardships procuring food.
Not all tourists stay in hotels and many have taken up accommodation in home-stays and homes that locals let, especially in coastal Pernem.
