Indian expats returning home on special repatriation flights must register with their respective embassies or consulates before travelling, a new circular issued by the government of India states. Those failing to register will not be allowed to travel on the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) flights.

As mandated by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, returnees also need to have updated their passport and mobile numbers. Those failing to do so will be off-loaded at airports, said the circular received by Air India Express, which is operating the repatriation flights.

Air India had started direct sale of tickets on VBM flights from June 29, allowing residents to buy tickets online or from the airline's office. Tickets are also available through authorised ticketing agents across the emirates.

Previously, the passengers were selected by the Indian missions on a priority basis from the thousands of distressed Indians who had registered on the missions' website.

In the fourth phase of the VBM, Air India will be operating 170 flights to and from 17 countries.

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