PANJIM: Goans living in the United Kingdom (UK), particularly those who had already booked their flights to visit Goa, are miffed over this mandatory quarantine rules for visitors to India, as their travel plans are heavily affected.
The protocol following the recent dispute between England and India ruled anyone travelling to India from the UK have to spend ten days under quarantine as it is for the UK-bound travellers from India.
Goans abroad point out that when they booked their ticket, which included the return flight to the UK, they had hoped to spend a certain amount of days in Goa but their plans will be curtailed now.
“I had to complete some personal work in Goa besides catching up with friends and family after a long time. I was going to be in Goa only for 15 days as I could only get that much leave. I have already got my leave sanctioned so I am in a spot of bother because of this,” said Francis Paul Pereira, who is a UK citizen.
In another case, Chaitanya Naik has his own wedding in Goa next month. His family and wife’s family had already booked their tickets and had a packed-schedule in terms of the arrangements they had to make etc and the quarantine has now thrown their plans off-track. They would fly to India in three weeks and are hoping that the rule is lifted by then.
Rosy Fernandes, who had planned to visit her old parents in Goa, said she had booked refundable tickets provided she takes the flight at some point of time and is now thinking of postponing her flight when this rule is lifted. “I chose not to travel earlier due to COVID related concerns in the State but things seem better now and I am vaccinated and so is my family. I do not understand this rule,” she lamented.
It is to be noted that Goans who have to travel to the UK, especially students, are hoping that the quarantine rule in England is lifted as it serves as an additional financial burden amongst other problems.
