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Foreigners wishing to return to South Africa but stuck abroad: The Ins and Outs

Source: samigration, 02/09/2020

These flights are most often piggy backed off normal repatriation flights initiated by the home countries. To gauge the demand, embassies in the respective countries ask their citizens, as well as residents, to complete an online form if theyâ€™re interested in travelling back home. Government and embassy officials at home and abroad then work closely with the airlines and local authorities to gain the necessary approvals for a repatriation flight or authority to drive into SA

How does the process unfold?
The process can differ depending on the countries involved and the reason for why there is a demand for a service in the first place. Itâ€™s also important to mention that repatriation flights or drive into SA are different from evacuation flights. For many repatriation flights during COVID-19, this is how the process has unfolded:
1. Permission is sought from SA government to travel to SA based on family reunion or emergency medical treatment .
2. Once approved separate permission is obtained from the department of health for quarantine compliance which can also be done at home subject to strict protocols .
3. The local SA embassy is instructed to issue to travel tourist visa to entire SA seeks approval from the departing country for landing permits and ensures that any other requirements are met.

Is there a lot of paperwork to fill out?
Additional paperwork is often required. In the case of our current COVID-19 situation, the embassies typically help out with documents . This makes it easier to clear police checkpoints and get to the airport.
At the check-in counter, you might need to show evidence of citizenship, residence permit, hotel reservations or proof of onward journey to your end destination. The documents needed depend on the immigration requirements of the arrival country. For example, if you book a flight from London via Germany but your end destination is SA , itâ€™s important to confirm what immigration rules apply in the UK and Germany during COVID-19 to ensure that you will be allowed to board your flight from London.

How soon can you travel after submitting an application?
There are many factors at play. This takes around 1 month . Additionally, these flights require permissions from the country of departure. All of this can take some time.

How much does these flights cost?
The price of the ticket varies greatly but Iâ€™ve heard that a common benchmark is around the normal price of Premium Economy. Itâ€™s important to note that the price the airline sets needs to be commercially viable which depends on a range of factors. These planes often fly without paying passengers one leg of the trip and during COVID-19 middle seats are often left empty. In addition, the cost of the crew may be higher than normal due to the increased risk.

Does travel insurance cover repatriation?
There is no standard answer as this depends completely on the insurance policy you have taken out. Given the global scale of this situation, many insurance companies may try to reduce their risk exposure.

Which type of aircraft or airlines offer repatriation services?
Itâ€™s important to remember that repatriation flights are paid for by the passengers and they need to be commercially viable for the airlines. The number of passengers, distance travelled, and other factors mentioned above determine which airlines can offer their services and which of their aircraft would be most suitable. Carriers ranging from the global giants to lesser-known charter airlines have carried out repatriation flights from and to South Africa.

Important information for passengers travelling home to SA
Before boarding a flight, all passengers are subjected to pre-flight screening and if they present COVID-19 symptoms, they will not be allowed to board.
Upon landing back in South Africa, passengers are subjected to onboard screening before they can disembark the plane, and are escorted to a quarantine facility where they will remain for 14 days.

What is the enabling legislation ?

AMENDMENT OF DIRECTIONS ISSUED IN TERMS OF REGULATION 10(8) OF THE
REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 27(2 â€` dated 3 July 2020
This is for all foreigners , foreigners who are spouses of South Africans or retired persons , on foreign passports etc wishing to return to SA

`23. APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY INTO SOUTH AFRICA
23.1 A person who falls outside of the categories allowed to enter the Republic in terms of
these Directions, read with regulation 41 of the Regulations may, in writing, apply to the Minister
of Home Affairs and demonstrate exceptional circumstances for his or her request to enter the
Republic during the period of the national state of disaster.
23.2 An application referred to in paragraph 23.1 must be supported by-
(a) a copy of passport; and
(b) a copy of a temporary residence visa, excluding a visa referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6
of the Directions.
23.3 A person who is allowed entry into the Republic will be subjected to the prescribed
screening procedures and isolation or quarantine rules, as the case may be. `.

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