Kochi, Apr 11 (IANS): The Kerala High Court on Saturday asked the Centre to file a status report on the diaspora after the Dubai branch of the - Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) sought the court's help to come to rescue of thousands of people presently held up in Dubai, unable to return home due to lockdown.

The petitioner pointed out that thousands of Keralites are in UAE unable to travel to their home country, as there is a lockdown in India.

The court after hearing the petition posted the case for April 17 and asked for the report from the Centre.

It also pointed out that at this moment one cannot question the Centre's decision due to coronavirus pandemic.

The counsel for the Kerala government pointed out the state government has also sought the help of the Centre on the issue.

Many Keralites presently based in the Middle East countries have expressed their requests to return home, but are unable to do so. They have also pointed out that several countries have flown out their nationals from these countries.