16 Jun 2020

Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation has facilitated the safe return of a total of 500 Batswana, who were outside the country during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a ministry statement, some were stranded in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe and various overseas countries.

It explains that those facilitated from overseas were part of the 94 nationals who returned home aboard a chartered Ethiopian Airline flight on June 3.

The costs of the flight were borne by passengers, it says.

The statement states that the support services would continue to be provided through the 23 Botswana diplomatic missions, though due to budgetary constraints, it would no longer be possible for government to charter any relief flights.

It further states that the ministry would, through the country’s diplomatic missions, continue to engage with other governments and airlines, and advise Batswana who wish to return home on the availability of flights.

The ministry encourages Batswana to always register with the nearest Botswana diplomatic mission whenever they travel abroad and to ensure that travel insurance is built into the costs of their journeys.

Members of the public are also reminded that COVID-19 protocols remain in effect in Botswana and neighbouring countries.

Batswana  are therefore required to fully comply with these measures by among others; securing the relevant travel permits applied for through the Botswana diplomatic missions in those countries which should be secured prior to the trip back to Botswana, says the statement.

It further states that government remains committed to safeguard the welfare of Batswana in foreign countries through the provision of consular services and support through  Botswana diplomatic missions. ENDS