More than 1000 South Africans stranded abroad
At least 1471 South Africans are stranded in various countries across the world amid the global coronavirus outbreak.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor revealed the number during an inter-ministerial briefing by the social cluster of ministers on Tuesday.
Pandor says South African missions abroad have undertaken a data collection exercise to identify citizens who wish to return to the republic.
"Of this number 723 are students, 204 are persons who work or who employed overseas, 224 are tourists and 320 who haven't told us what status they have, but they have told us they wish to return.
"We believe there may be more people who are need of assistance that we are not aware of."
READ: Five residents at Durban old age home tests positive for coronavirus
The department, with the aid of other departments, are in the process of repatriating stranded citizens but urged those with the capacity to rather fund their own travel expenses.
Pandor says priority will be given to those without shelter, as well as the elderly.
"I've directed that priority be given to those who are stranded at airports who say that have to sleep on the floor, they have no means for food etc, those who have no funds, no accommodation, the elderly."
"We are trying to do whatever is within our means to assist those who find themselves stranded so that they are safe and able to travel back to South Africa."
Foreign nationals stranded in South Africa will also be allowed to return to their respective countries.
