Dept working on bringing locals back home

CONTROLLER of the state of emergency and commissioner of Police David Manning says the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is working to assist Papua
New Guineans stranded abroad and who want to return home.
“Given the current global travel restrictions, including the restrictions imposed by the government, a number of PNG citizens are stranded and the department will be recommending what can be done when the state of emergency is reviewed when the 14-day lockdown expires,” Manning said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the department had developed its consular response plan and would be submitting this to the
Covid-19 joint agency task force team to see how citizens abroad could be supported and brought back to the country.
Information given by the department also stated that a total of 23 citizens were stranded in Australia, one in Malaysia, four in Singapore and the body of PNG national who died from a non-Covid-19 related cause was to be repatriated from Thailand.
The department also advised that development partners
had pledged assistance and support to Papua New Guinea’s ongoing security, health and economic response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to neighbouring countries whose citizens have been affected by the Covid-19,” Manning said.
“May God bless and protect us all in this time of need.”