The Executive Branch decided to allocate S/12.9 million (around US$3.61 million) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to repatriate fellow citizens affected by
the closure of Peruvian borders, undertaken to tackle the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Head of State insisted that repatriation is planned only for Peruvians who were scheduled to come before or on the days after the border closure —a measure that has been in force since March 17— as well as compatriots in special situations.
"We have made an assessment to repatriate Peruvians in transit to Peru, those who were almost at the airport when the border closure went into effect. It is our duty to bring them and maybe special cases of Peruvians in particularly vulnerable situations," he expressed.
The top official reiterated that the measure does not apply to trips of Peruvians residing, studying or working abroad, those who return every year or every two years to the country. "We are sorry, but we are not going to bring them," he emphasized.
Initial reports indicated that there were 2,000 Peruvians stranded overseas as a result of the state of emergency declared by the Government.
However, when they were asked to register at
consulates abroad, the figure rose to more than 20,000 people.
In light of this, the Head of State urged Peruvian nationals not to put pressure on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with requests that have nothing to do with the health emergency, since the Government will only support those who indeed need and have to return.
(END) RMCH/RMB
Published: 3/21/2020