Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor on Tuesday said there are nearly 1500 South Africans stranded offshore during the Covid-19 pandemic, including more than 700 students.
Pandor said that South Africa’s missions abroad are negotiating with the governments where there are lockdowns in order to facilitate the movement of stranded South Africans.
“The most recent data on that we have suggests that we may have 1 471 South Africans stranded across the world. Of this number, 723 are students, 204 people who are workers, 224 tourists, 320 who haven’t disclosed,” Pandor said.
“I have tasked our Missions to also determine from host countries whether the authorities can offer any assistance to foreigners stranded in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, the issuing / extension of visas.”
Pandor added that she has directed that priority be given to those who are stranded at the airports, running out of accommodation, the elderly and the sick.
