Travellers stranded abroad as a result of SA’s COVID-19 lockdown are advised to arrange private charter flights if they want to return home, says Nombeko Pityana, Dirco’s assistant director of Consular Services for Asia and Middle East.
“It has become necessary for South African citizens to look at the option of arranging private charter flights to South Africa. This can be done in co-operation with travel insurance companies, their sponsors or in groups with other South African citizens in the same country,” Nombeko told eTNW.
A South African family in Australia contacted media last week in the hope of creating awareness of what they say are more than 100 South Africans stuck in Australia. There are also a similar number in New Zealand who continue to wait for the government to offer a plan to get home.
“The letter we received from government advises us to book commercial flights home,” says Bonnie Immelman, currently stuck in Sydney after attending a training course. “The challenge is, though, that after weeks of global lockdown and having to sustain oneself, not everyone will have the financial means to return. It is even more ridiculous and frustrating, considering that there are no flights operating now.”
In response to the letter, Nombeko said: “Persons requiring information or Consular assistance should approach their nearest South African Embassy or Consulate for information. In your case this will be Canberra, Australia. The e-mail address for the mission in Canberra is: fouries@dirco.gov.za.”
“We appeal to those who wish to return home to do so at their own cost. South African citizens will also need to liaise with family and friends in South Africa, should they be in need of funds to pay accommodation and other necessities,” Nombeko said.
South African citizens abroad will be subjected to screening prior to boarding any flight, and those found to be symptomatic will not be allowed to travel and will be subjected to the host country’s health requirements. A compulsory quarantine period of 14 days will be enforced on all South Africans returning, at a site identified by the Department of Health.
The ports of entry that are authorised to receive approved chartered flights are Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and OR Tambo International Airport.
