Permanent Secretary for Sugar and Foreign Affairs Yogesh Karan says that he has received a request from the Solomon Islands Government to repatriate its citizens from Fiji.

As a result of flight closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Solomon Islands citizens have been here.

Mr Karan said instructions had been given, which is consistent with the Government of Fiji.

“We have asked the Solomon Islands government to speak to Fiji Airways on a charted flight as we are not allowing any foreign airline coming into the country, except those bringing in cargo,” he said.

He also highlighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with the Solomon Islands High Commission in Fiji on certain protocols. The High Commission was also directed to get in touch with Fiji Airways and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Last week, the Government’s COVID-19 Oversight Committee announced the repatriation of the Solomon Island nationals who were stranded in Australia and Fiji as a result of flight closures due to COVID-19.

This was confirmed by the High Commission of the Solomon Islands in Fiji.

The announcement was made in accordance to the statement issued by Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, earlier this month on their government’s plans for repatriation.

The first repatriation flight for stranded Solomon Islanders in Australia and New Zealand is tentatively scheduled for May 26. The flight will be from Brisbane to Honiara.

The Solomon Islands government is also looking to repatriate nationals from Vanuatu and Fiji thereafter. Flight information on the repatriation will be issued as soon as it is finalised. Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: ilaijia.ravuwai@fijisun.com.fj