Fiji Government acknowledges Australia’s support in the repatriation of Fiji Nationals

The Fiji Government acknowledges the outstanding support provided by the Australian Government in the repatriation of Fijian nationals that were stranded in New Caledonia.

This swift assistance is yet another demonstration of Australia’s deep commitment to our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been working closely with our Australian counterparts to repatriate Fijian nationals from New Caledonia. Two Australian Military C17 Aircraft are bound for Brisbane today. Yesterday, 3 Fiji nationals boarded the Australian flight from New Caledonia to Australia. In coordination with the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Ewen McDonald and his team, efforts continued to today as Fijian nationals were flown out of New Caledonia.

Fiji’s High Commissioner to Australia, Mr Ajay Amrit, is in Brisbane to receive our nationals arriving from New Caledonia and is facilitating arrangements for their onward flight to Fiji.

Further, the Ministry extends appreciation to Fiji Airways for their timely support in the provision of seats for our nationals as they switch to departing from Brisbane instead of Noumea. Our gratitude also to the Pacific Community (SPC) Team for the coordination and arrangements made to assist our nationals on the ground in Noumea.

We are grateful to all our partners for their goodwill and efforts that enabled the safety and successful repatriation of our nationals as they reunite with their families.

The Ministry will continue to work with the Australian Government counterparts in the repatriation efforts in the coming days.