KATHMANDU, Sept 11: The Hong Kong Government has agreed to allow its vaccinated citizens stranded in Nepal to return home. Hong Kong has ceased its regular flights to Nepal since May, enlisting Nepal among the extremely risky nations in terms of COVID-19 transmission.

According to the immediate past chair of Hong Kong Nepalese Federation and the in-charge of Nepalese Service Center, Rita Gurung, the Hong Kong Government has agreed to allow vaccinated Hong Kong ID Card holder Nepali expats stranded in Nepal to return there.

Previously, the Hong Kong Government had denied entry to its citizens despite being vaccinated in Nepal. Gurung said the discussion held at East Wing Central of Hong Kong Government's Food and Health Bureau between Hong Kong Government officials and leaders of Nepali expat community has decided to this effect. Gurung said the returning days would start from September 15.

However, to be eligible for this scheme, one needs to undergo two COVID-19 tests within 72 hours and must be proven free from COVID-19. ''The 21-day-long quarantine at a hotel is mandatory for returnees'', said Gurung, ''However, dependents of Hong Kong ID holders are still restricted to enter.''

Gurung said they are doing their best to ensure the entry of dependents to Hong Kong. Dr Chui Tak Yi, the chief of the Food and Health Bureau, has taken the demand positively.

According to the Hong Kong Nepalese Federation, around 1,000 Hong Kong citizens are stranded in Nepal. They had flown to Nepal for familial and business work.

Nepali expats in Hong Kong had collectively helped Nepal in times of the pandemic by donating oxygen concentrators and other vital medical equipment. In the first week of July, 100 oxygen concentrators were airlifted to Nepal. The Hong Kong Nepalese Federation is also lobbying for a visa for domestic help in Hong Kong.

 
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