Following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Declaration by President Cyril Ramaphosa of a State of Disaster, more than 4 000 South Africans indicated that they were stranded and required assistance to return to South Africa. The overwhelming majority are stranded as a result of the lockdowns announced in many countries and the almost complete cessation of flights.
Q: Why does it seem that it is easy in some countries to repatriate citizens and in some countries more difficult?
A: Lockdowns mean that countries don’t allow any airlines to fly out or into the country except with special permission through repatriation. Getting the final approval takes quite long and a lot of negotiations have to take place through our missions abroad.
Q: Are South Africans being repatriated screened before boarding?
A: All South Africans abroad are subjected to screening prior to boarding any flight during the current COVID-19 restrictions. South Africans found to be symptomatic will not be allowed to travel and will be subjected to the host country’s health requirements. These measures are in line with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.
Q: Who pays for the repatriation and quarantine?
A: All South Africans being repatriated are expected to pay an agreed airfare. Payments are made prior to being allocated a seat. In terms of the current regulations, every passenger should also enter into quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at an identified government site.
Q: What is the process when South Africans land in South Africa?
A: Onboard screening is done by Port Health before disembarkation. Once cleared by immigration, passengers are escorted to an identified facility for the 14-day quarantine period.
Q: Can South Africans return to South Africa through the land borders?
A: South Africans have and will be allowed to return to the country through land borders from neighbouring countries in line with the approved Home Affairs regulations during the National Disaster to ensure that they are indeed South Africans.
Q: Except for those repatriated from Ethiopia, Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria, and Angola, have there been any further repatriation flights from other African countries?
A: Many South Africans also returned via land borders.
Source: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
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