Fijians who lived in Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were grateful to arrive here yesterday.

The group came on board a special Etihad Airways chartered flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Nadi via Singapore.

Among the eight returning was a joyous Fukefu Sokoaghanisi Susau, who worked on a luxury cruise yacht, but was unable to depart in May due to the unavailability of flights to Fiji.

Mr Susau thanked the efforts of the embassy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government to enable him and the other Fijians to return home.

Among the returnees were three families with their children who were all eagerly waiting to arrive home.

Etihad Airways chartered flight at Nadi International Airport on August 13, 2020, which brought home several Fijian nationals.

A statement from the Fijian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said the repatriation was made possible at the request of Ambassador Kamlesh Prakash, to UAE’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation for International Development Affairs, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi.

Second Secretary, Semisi Seruitanoa, was at the airport to ensure their smooth check-in before bidding farewell to the jubilant passengers. The group were transferred to the Government-funded quarantine facility at Nadi.

The aircraft also brought in medical supplies for the Pacific region.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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