Govt ‘struggling’ to repatriate South Africans from Thailand, Pakistan
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says its currently in talks with other governments to help speed up the repatriation of South Africans.
Since the start of the national lockdown three weeks ago, South African Airways (SAA) has undertaken several repatriation missions in and out of the country.
Minister Naledi Pandor says more than 3000 people approached the various consulates across the world requesting assistance.
“That 3639 that we have we are slowly whittling down and people are slowly coming back.”
Pandor admits that is hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
“We have some sticky areas though that are proving difficult. For example, Thailand, we haven’t yet cracked it,” says Pandor.
“We are also waiting for Pakistan to give us the go-ahead. There’s a charter ready to turn around 84 South Africans from Pakistan, we haven’t gotten the permission as per our procedures.”
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She adds that those refusing to oblige by the terms and conditions won’t be granted entry back into South Africa.
“Remember all countries are in lockdown.
“We have to negotiate, and we’ve got to be sure that the people we return are very knowledgeable that they will go into quarantine for 14 days minimum on return.”