The flight is set to depart Melbourne airport on the 26th of April and according to High Commission of Pakistan Canberra tickets can now be purchased via the national carrier’s website.
However, SBS Urdu has talked to a number of stranded people none of whom have been able to purchase tickets and have been advised to wait until the airline gets in touch with them.
Highlights:
- Stranded Pakistanis in Australia share their ordeal
- Pakistan National Carrier's flight to repatriate 250 people this weekend
- High Commission of Pakistan Canberra clarify the process of registration
Ansar Riaz has recently received a state nomination after living in Australia for 6 years, which expires on the 4th of May 2020. He has been advised by the Department of Immigration that he needs to leave the country and apply for a new visa otherwise his invitation will expire.
“I am unable to fly out of Australia at the moment due to border closures. This flight is my only hope but I am still unsure if my name is on the list that was provided to PIA,” said Mr Riaz.
Scheduled repatriation flights to bring stranded Pakistanis back home from around the world between 20th April to 28th April. Source: covid.gov.pk
Studies affected
Shehryar arrived in Australia last November on a student visa and joined University in the first week of March. Two weeks into his studies classes were moved online and he lost his part-time job.
With limited resources left, Shehryar decided to refund his university course and go back to Pakistan. While in the process of refund international borders closed and flights got cancelled due to which he is now stranded in Melbourne.
The university has informed the immigration department of the refund and his confirmation of enrolment has been cancelled. His visa is due to expire in less than 10 days.
University Students Source: SBS News
“I hardly have enough money left to buy a ticket back let alone support my self for a few months in Australia. It is imperative that I travel back to Pakistan ASAP.”
“I have followed all the required procedures provided by the Pakistan High Commission and Consulate but have been left in limbo as to what’s happening with the flight set to leave on this weekend.
“I still do not know if I am on the list or not, the scheduled flight does show on the website but there is no way to book it online.” Shehryar further added.
Victoria will begin receiving international arrivals from December 7 Source: AAP
Unlucky visitors
Muhammad Amin Amir came here on a visit visa last month and is currently stranded in Sydney. His visa expired on the 9th of April 2020.
While talking to SBS Urdu he said that “I miss my family and my business is being affected back home.
“I need to get back home as soon as possible, but there has been no clear information on the process to follow,” said Mr Amir.
Travelling to Victoria
Stranded people in different states have not been provided information by local Pakistani Government authorities about interstate travel which has also caused some confusion.
A spokesperson of the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services told SBS Urdu that there are currently no mandatory quarantine restrictions for interstate travellers into Victoria.
“Victorian borders currently don’t have restrictions imposed however it is encouraged that only essential travellers travel to avoid the risk of spreading COVID-19.”
High Commission of Pakistan in Australia
Pakistan High Commissioner Babar Amin explained the process to SBS Urdu that information had been gathered over the last few weeks where people expressed their interest to be repatriated to Pakistan via email.
The High Commission then shared the list with relevant government authorities in Pakistan including the foreign office and the national carrier.
“More than 600 people have now expressed their interest to travel back home and we have forwarded those lists to the relevant authorities in Pakistan,” said Mr Amin.
“As far as tickets are concerned for the [flight on 26th April] PIA has officially not shared any information with us.
“But our contact person has informed us that PIA has received the complete list of people and will be contacting them via email to make booking arrangements.
“In regards to selection criteria for people travelling on this flight we have indicated the visa status of stranded people on the list.
“The government has a set priority list on the covid.gov.pk which will be followed. We have not indicated in any way as to who should or shouldn’t get to travel on this flight." Mr Amin further added.
High Commissioner indicated that the Government of Pakistan is currently in the process of repatriating citizens from around the world but there have been no official announcements of further flights to Australia at this time.
Email sent out by Pakistani Consulate explaining the process and next steps in booking flights for this Sunday. Source: Supplied
Upon arrival in Pakistan
Travellers have raised concerns on arrangements currently in place once arriving back in Lahore as the Government announced an extension on the suspension of domestic, international flights to remain till 30th of April 2020.
According to SOP provided by Pakistani Government on their , all passenger will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test and based on the results will be advised on the next steps.
“Upon arrival in Pakistan, all passengers and crew will be subjected to a minimum of 48-hour state-monitored quarantine period. The quarantine can be extended based on the result of the passenger’s COVID-19 test, which will be conducted after 48 hours. Those who test negative will be advised compulsory self-isolation to complete a 14- day period.”
“For quarantined passengers they will be responsible for all expenses of their stay if they choose to stay in a hotel/paid facility. Government quarantine centres will be free of cost.”
There is no clear information on how people who reside in different cities will be able to travel domestically while the travel bans are in place.
Islamabad International Airport in Pakistan. Source: EPA/T. MUGHAL
“There has been no information that has been shared with us in regards to domestic travel with us. Whatever is applicable on all travellers coming for other countries will be the same for people travelling from Australia.” said High Commissioner Mr Babar Amin.
Pakistan International Airlines
SBS Urdu has reached out to Pakistan International Airlines for a comment. We will update the story once new information comes to light.
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