RNZAF returns home Vanuatu workers & High Commissioner
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has assisted with a further repatriation flight yesterday of Vanuatu nationals in New Zealand.
The Government of Vanuatu requested assistance from New Zealand to get their citizens home, due to the ongoing unavailability of commercial flights as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
Passengers included more than 100 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers and scholarships students stranded in New Zealand since March. The flight was also used to return the remains of Vanuatu’s late High Commissioner to New Zealand, Johnson Naviti. Members of Mr Naviti’s family were also on the flight.
The 119 passengers on board the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing 757 were subject to health pre-screening measures before boarding in New Zealand and are required to follow Vanuatu’s entry protocols, including 14 days of managed quarantine.
RNZAF air crews routinely undertake measures to prevent any potential spread of Covid-19, including health screening, physical distancing and wearing of personal protective equipment.
Air Component Commander Air Commodore Tim Walshe said: “We’re pleased we’ve been able to assist with returning Vanuatu nationals to their loved ones back home.”
“The global Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted normal travel routes, including for seasonal workers from Vanuatu, many of whom would ordinarily have returned home by now.”
The flight yesterday follows eight repatriation flights in June when more than 1000 Vanuatu nationals were taken home after their travel plans were disrupted by Covid-19 restrictions.
Eight passengers boarded the aircraft at RNZAF Base Auckland, with the majority boarding at RNZAF Base Ohakea and RNZAF’s air movements terminal at Christchurch International Airport.
