INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KOCHI: The arrest of the manager of a private laboratory in Malappuram district for issuing fake COVID-19 negative certificates to the NRIs
from Kerala is likely to have grave consequences
Expatriates are concerned over the chances for ban on Indian carriers and passengers by foreign countries, especially West Asian nations
Though only a single incident of issuing false COVID-19 negative certificates to expats flying to foreign countries from Kerala has been
reported, it might have serious consequences.Though India has entered into air bubble agreement with 15 countries, including the UAE, which
has the highest Indian expat population, violation of the pact by sending COVID-19 positive passengers may result in a ban on carriers and
travellers, observed sources in the sector
India has signed bilateral air bubble agreement with Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, the Maldives, Nigeria,
Qatar, UAE, UK, USA, Kenya and Bhutan to facilitate commercial passenger service during the pandemic times when regular flight services are
adversely impact the thousands of passengers from the country who are flying on emergency purpose
Students and those travelling for job related purpose will be the victims
As the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing rapidly in India, many countries have started imposing stringent restrictions on Indian
Even if a flight ticket is booked, there is no guarantee whether the passengers will be able to fly as the flight may get cancelled any time
During these times of uncertainty, giving a false COVID-19 certificate to a flyer is a serious crime
It is similar to a fight against the country as sending virus infected passengers to air bubble partner countries will affect the bilateral
activities to amass money during the pandemic crisis will not only worsen the COVID-19 situation but will adversely impact the future of
Though the incident was reported from Kerala, it will affect expats from across the country
I have been getting inquiries from several expats who are forced to travel by shelling out big money only to rejoin office or other
reports, the lab has been collecting samples from expats flying to Middle East countries and sending it to its parent lab, Micro Health Labs
Though the Kozhikode lab is an ICMR approved facility for COVID-19 testing, the allegation is that the franchise firm in Malappuram district
issued the false certificate without sending all samples to Micro Health Labs
The lab amassed big money by issuing false certificates, it has been alleged
