Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced on Tuesday 31 March that the government has decided to ease travel restrictions in and out of the country for South Africans stranded abroad.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said that so far, they have noted 1,471 South Africans stranded across the world, of whom 723 are students, 204 workers, 224 tourists and another 320 who aren’t specified.
She said among these citizens, those who could afford to make their own way home will be allowed to do so. She appealed to travel agents to rebook these passengers on flights that will then be allowed to fly into South Africa.
She said the government would not be able to send a repatriation flight for all these citizens but said priority was being given to those most in distress, those stranded in airports, those without accommodation options and the sick and elderly.
However, she did not explain exactly how help would be granted to them, mentioning the possibility, but no concrete plan for evacuation flights.
Pandor also confirmed that South African embassies are negotiating with foreign governments to allow visitors to stay until travel restrictions are lifted. This includes extending visas and assisting with finding accommodation and funds.
‘For those who cannot depart, my department will be liaising with families and friends in SA to contribute to the payment for accommodation. Such funds can be transferred by Western Union or MoneyGram, commercial banks or via international EFT directly to the account of the institutions,’ she said.
Mbalula said that no matter how the South Africans end up returning home, they would be the only ones on board with no other passengers, and would be subject to strict quarantine and screenings before being allowed back into their homes.
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