Coronavirus: repatriation of French people trapped in Australia continues

Text by: RFI Follow

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced last week on Europe 1 radio a repatriation scheme for the 3,500 French people still stranded in Australia. Negotiated fare flights have been set up with Qatar Airways. A first plane took off from Perth on the west coast of Australia on Saturday, and another A380 left Sydney on Thursday.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Sydney, Grégory Plesse

Relief at Sydney Airport where hundreds of French people will finally be able to return home. They were chosen by the embassy, ​​which drew up a list of priority passengers.

This is the case, for example, of those who work in the medical field, such as Florence: “ I was on vacation with my son. But I have to go home for my job. I am a nurse and I am requisitioned, so I had to come back at some point, she explains. I am moved because I leave my son. "

Repatriation flights until April 15

Among the passengers, there are also many young people. They were in Australia as part of the working holiday program (PVT). And like many others, they bought tickets for flights that were eventually canceled. Many found themselves without a single penny in their pocket. This is for example the case of Julie and her friends: “ We left our work to come to Sydney to take the plane. Except that it was canceled. So there, we had no more money. We were homestay. Fortunately, someone hosted us. It was a bit of a hassle for everyone, we are six more! "

Dominique has had less difficulty with him, but he is still happy to return: “ Happy to return, especially since I live in the woods, in the countryside. So me, containment should do it, ”he jokes.

A total of 2,100 French people have left Australia in the past seven days. Repatriation flights will be available until April 15.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

• Australia
• Coronavirus
• France

On the same subject

Coronavirus: the French army engaged against the epidemic in its external operations

Transport: the wrath of travelers deprived of reimbursement for their flights