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The DA has asked the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) to use its budget to help repatriate South Africans stranded abroad during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.
In a written parliamentary question, the party’s deputy spokesperson for International Relations, Mergan Chetty, noted that the department reportedly spends an average of R28 million per South African mission annually, and the party said this, instead, could be used for repatriations.
“Dirco must use this budget for overseas missions at this critical time when these overseas missions are most needed for stranded citizens. These citizens have paid for the provision of services in their time of need and Dirco must confront,” DA Abroad leader Dr. Rory Jubber said. in a statement on Saturday.
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In addition, the party will be monitoring the treatment that stranded South Africans receive from the department, Jubber said, and will make public the information of those who have already been repatriated.
The prosecutor estimates that between 3 750 and 4 250 South African citizens have been repatriated, and says that “many more remain stranded and appeal to Dirco.”
“Some of those who are still stranded have no means of support, have no place to stay and are running out of money, food and medicine. They are in countries where they have no knowledge of the language and lack support and are denied information.” Jubber said.
“Recovering them is complicated due to airport regulations imposed by the Department of Transportation and uncertainties about the availability of air transportation. They have been given minimal support from many South African diplomatic missions led by Dirco, some of which have been completely unfriendly to their serious situation. “
According to a Dirco repatriation circular published on Monday, since March 26, 2020, it has facilitated the aerial repatriation of more than 3,000 South Africans stranded abroad.
An estimated 4,500 South Africans were found stranded, according to a Dirco circular published on April 27.
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