Can Stranded South Africans in London Catch Flights Sent to Repatriate British Citizens?

The British High Commission in South Africa announced on Sunday chartered flights for its citizens and permanent residents from SA back to the UK, pending approval from the SA government. There is a chance that these flights may also be used by South Africans stranded in the UK to head back to their families in SA, according to DIRCO.

DIRCO spokesperson Elphus Ravhudzulo told SAPeople on Monday that IF the flights are approved, then South Africans stranded in the UK will be able to use these flights to get home.

Ravhudzlo said that many of the flights and quarantine details for South Africans wanting to return home are currently being kept confidential until finalised.

However he said he could divulge that these Virgin Atlantic flights would be made available to South Africans if they are approved.

He said South Africans in the UK should make sure they are registered. If you don’t know already if you’re registered, he said please call the Corporate Services Manager at the SA Embassy in London on 075 9527 2083 OR email: mcubej@dirco.gov.za AND cc ccic2@dirco.gov.za and adamr@dirco.gov.za

The flights are not free. For those UK citizens, nationals and anyone whose “permanent home is in the UK” who wishes to travel back home from South Africa, the trip will cost passengers between £655.50 and £855.43 per person.

Nigel Casey MVO, British High Commissioner to SA, said on Sunday: “We are delighted to announce that agreement has been reached with Virgin Atlantic to provide a series of charter flights to bring home British travellers stranded in South Africa.

“Our aim is to run a series of seven flights, starting from Cape Town on 9 April, with subsequent flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg (all dates will be subject to South African Government clearances).”

Anyone who’s eligible (British citizens, nationals and those whose permanent home is in the UK) and wishes to book on these flights, should now do so here for Cape Town, or here for Johannesburg.

The cost of the flight is £855.43 per person from Cape Town and £655.50 per person from Johannesburg.

The British High Commission said: “It’s very important that you provide all the details you’re asked for when making your booking. This is essential for flight clearances. Any passengers with serious health conditions who require special assistance please contact us on 0027124217500.”

Sixteen South Africans stranded in Doha and Dubai have already been repatriated back to SA.

A flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg has also been announced this week to repatriate South Africans stranded in Brazil, Peru and Mexico.

WATCH Update on special charter flights from the British High Commission in South Africa

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