The fact that many are stuck is because many countries have imposed severe restrictions on the new corona virus. It is simply difficult to get to the airports and get hold of airline tickets. But the past week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started to help Swedes get home.
- We work 24 hours a day to get Swedes out. Among other things, it will land a plane today with Swedish travelers who have been to Peru and stuck. Yesterday we managed to bring home 60 people who were quarantined in Austria by giving the embassy and consulate all the necessary permits. It is very difficult because of the rules and regulations set by the authorities in the countries, Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S) tells SVT.
"Become impossible to get out"Ann Linde has previously said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not plan any assisted departure for Swedes who have been stranded abroad. Now, however, the situation is different.
- We see that in places, for example in India and Peru, it has become practically impossible to get out of the country and then we have to look to support, says Lina Eidmark at the Foreign Ministry's press service.
So far, the Foreign Ministry has helped to bring home people from Spain, Iran, the Philippines and Vietnam.
- It's about commercial flights where you pay your ticket yourself. Sweden has not sent flights to the countries but cooperates with airlines that can plan to fly the routes, and is working to get permits to fly out of countries with severe restrictions, says Lina Eidmark.