International Relations to repatriate South Africans, slams ‘fake news’
Of the 3637, South Africans abroad who requested to be repatriated, close to 3400 have been brought home.
THE Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) slammed a false press statement alleging that the South African Government has pulled the plug on Qatar Airlines to repatriate South Africans.
The department stated that it has not cancelled any arrangement with Qatar Airlines, instead, continuing discussions to repatriate South Africans in line with the rules and regulations stipulated by government. Of the 3637, South Africans who initially requested to be repatriated, close to 3400 have been brought home, said DIRCO in a statement.
“The repatriation of South Africans is a humanitarian mission that has been coordinated by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) with the guidance of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), chaired by the President,” read the statement.
Also read: SAA to continue to repatriate stranded nationals
According to DIRCO, South Africans stranded abroad have been encouraged to contact South African embassies to enable the department to assess the demand in each country.
“The information is then used to arrange the repatriation effort and to coordinate with NATJOINTS to ensure logistical arrangements with Health, Home Affairs, Police, Public Works and other relevant departments, including Public Enterprises where SAA is providing the airlift. Because of the continued demand for South Africans to be repatriated, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has submitted a request to the National Coronavirus Command Council following approval by the NATJOINTS,” read the statement.
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