Dirco denies pulling the plug on Qatar Airlines
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has dismissed reports that the government has pulled the plug on Qatar Airlines to repatriate South Africans.
The department is however in continued discussion with the airline to ensure that South Africans are brought home in line with government's rules and regulations.
"The repatriation of South Africans is a humanitarian mission that has been coordinated by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, with the guidance of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), chaired by the President,” says the department’s Clayson Monyela.
“All the repatriation efforts are coordinated with the NATJOINTS to make sure these efforts are compliant with the lockdown regulations.”
To date almost 3400 of the initial 3637 South Africans, who had indicated they wanted to return home from various countries, have been repatriated.
Monyela has urged South Africans who are stuck abroad to contact their specific embassy.
"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.”