Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Yogesh Karan said strict protocols saw four Fijians not boarding the repatriation flight from India last week.

“They will be allowed to travel back home if they meet the Government’s COVID-19 requirements,” Mr Karan said.

“Several passengers were not on the list that was why they did not board in Delhi,” he said.

“Screening prior to boarding and undergoing quarantine measures after arriving in Fiji has been strengthened.

“For the repatriation flights we have set strict protocols, regarding testing and if anyone does not meet the criteria they will not travel.”

Restrictions come after the repatriation flight from India on July 4 had brought a cluster of virus cases and this resulted in Fiji’s first COVID-related death on July 31.

He added that the Fiji mission continues to monitor the situation in India making sure Fijian nationals adhered to the protocols.

Mr Karan said the Fijian Government was working with other countries that fall on the same route for another repatriation flight.

“We are trying to share costs with other countries that fall on the way,” he said.

“So once we get opportunities in the coming weeks and we will plan accordingly. We cannot set an exact date, as these are special flights.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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