303 Indians stranded in France set to depart today, but destination still unknown | 10 things to know
303 Indian passengers, suspected of human trafficking, detained near Paris, is set to leave on Monday, according to French judicial officials, AFP reported. 1. The Airbus A340, en route to Nicaragua, was held at Vatry airport after an anonymous tip-off upon its arrival from Dubai for refuelling.
The destination of the plane remains unclear, AFP reported. 2. The local prefecture said in a statement, “After questioning the passengers for two days, French prosecutors on Sunday gave the go-ahead for the plane to leave, and full approval for its departure is expected Monday." 3.
While the initial statement did not specify the destination, Francois Procureur, the head of the local bar association, revealed during a press conference that the passengers are expected to be flown to India. A source close to the inquiry told AFP that the Indians were likely workers in the United Arab Emirates who had been bound for Nicaragua as a jumping-off spot for the United States or Canada. Also Read: What's next for 303 Indians stranded in France? Court to hear extension, asylum requests 4.
During the investigation, passengers on the flight, which was operated by the Romanian company Legend Airlines, were accommodated at the airport. The local prefecture reported the installation of beds, toilets, and showers for their stay. Additionally, police restricted access to the airport, preventing press and outsiders from entering.
Also Read: To Avoid the Jungles of Central America, Migrants Are Taking a Treacherous Sea Route 5. AFP reported that two passengers have been detained since Friday “to verify whether their role may have been different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives". Twelve of the
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