Highlights
- More than 200 people register to be repatriated back to Pakistan - HC Babar Amin
- High Commission and Consulate still operational for urgent matters
- Support to be provided via community organisations
Within a day more than 200 Pakistanis have registered their details with the High Commission expressing their desire to go back home.
Most of these people came to Australia on a visitor or temporary visa and got stranded after both countries limited international flight operations to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
High Commissioner of Pakistan in Canberra, Babar Amin told SBS Urdu that the reason behind this registration is to help the Government of Pakistan in the planning of repatriating Pakistanis from foreign countries.
“The registration process helps us in informing the Pakistani Government about the number of total people who are stranded due to the lockdown and want to go back home,” said Mr Amin.
“The government is currently planning to evacuate Pakistanis around the world and we want Pakistanis in Australia to be included in that list so they can be repatriated in an organised manner.” he further added.
Some flights are available from Australia to Pakistan but cannot be used until the ban on international flights is lifted in Pakistan.
“There is a ban on international flights coming into Pakistan until 11th of April due to which Pakistanis in Australia have not been able to travel back.
“However Qatar airways are flying from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth which can be of benefit to the community once the ban is lifted,” said Mr Amin.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways expanded its operations to Australia by adding an extra 48,000 seats to help get people home.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We know there are many people who want to be with their families and loved ones during this difficult time.
“We are thankful to the Australian Government, airports and staff for their support in helping us to add additional flights to get people home, and in particular, to bring flights to Brisbane.”
The airline is currently offering free date change to their passengers that have booked or are planning to book tickets for travel up to 30 September 2020.
Qatar Airways are working with governments to maintain a strong schedule of flights and Pakistan along with other countries have thanked the airline for continuing its efforts to bring their citizens home.
Support for people affected by the outbreak
The Consulates and High Commission plan to support the affected members of the community by working with local Pakistani organisations.
“I have talked to local community organisations, both consulates in Sydney and Melbourne to develop a mechanism and work together to provide support to affected members of the community.
“We are also in contact with students who need urgent support and guidance.” Mr Amin explained.
Limited Operations
The Pakistani consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and High Commission in Canberra are open for services to the local community however Mr Amin highly advised against visiting physically unless it is absolutely urgent.
“We request the community to only visit the consulate or high commission in an unavoidable emergency situation. Passport or visa services are available online.
Letter from High Commissioner Babar Amin to the Members of Pakistani Community in Australia regarding COVID-19 Pandemic. Source: Facebook / Pakistan High Commission Canberra
“If someone is having trouble with their online passport application such as fingerprints, they can come to the office only if they plan to travel immediately when the bans are lifted, otherwise it should be delayed to protect the health of themselves and our staff.”
Mr Amin further told SBS Urdu that most of our services are available via postal services such as driving license verification, character certificate and birth registrations.
Consular service is available via email at phc@pakistan.org.au or via phone in Australia +61 (02) 6273 1114
To register your interest to be repatriated back to Pakistan email your details to dhm@pakistan.org.au
To learn more about Coronavirus in Urdu watch the video below:
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
Find more news and information on Coronavirus from https://www.sbs.com.au/language/urdu/coronavirus-updates
