On Sunday 29th March, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK appealed to stranded Indian students and citizens due to coronavirus to beware of fake news circulated across WhatsApp groups. The fake WhatsApp message reads,
“If any one knows anyone who is stuck in London, Air India is operating evacuation flights from DEL & BOM. They will need to contact the Indian High Commission in London to figure out about a seat. These are on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd April.”
Posting a copy of this message on the official UK in India twitter handle, Her Excellency Ruchi Ghanashyam appealed to the Indian nationals to only believe information formally provided by the High Commission of India in London. The Indian High Commissioner to the UK tweeted,
“I appeal to all Indians in UK not to believe in or forward rumours and follow HCI [High Commission of India] London’s social media platforms for updates.
“Please see FAQs posted earlier for your queries. Do not publicise personal info. Stay safe and follow NHS [National Health Service] guidelines.”
“No flights are allowed to land till April 14. Please register your name on HCI’s website so that we can contact you whenever flights open.”
Hundreds of Indian students, professionals and tourists are stranded in different parts of the UK after India updated its travel advisory to impose a ban on international flights until April 14 as part of its lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19.
The UK Home Office had recently confirmed that any foreign students or professionals on visas that had expired or expiring would be given an extension at least until May 31.
Many of the stranded students, from different parts of India including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.
“High Commission notes with dismay that some rumours are being spread even in such trying times. We request all not to pay attention to rumours. Stay connected with us for updates,” the High Commission said.
