FG TO WITHHOLD PASSPORTS OF NIGERIAN RETURNEES TEMPORARILY
Following the evacuation of Nigerians stranded abroad as amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government has said it will withhold the passports of the evacuees for seven days.
This decision is in line with the guidelines signed by the Acting Director, European Affairs Division, George Edokpa for repatriation of Nigerians issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the nation's missions and embassies abroad.
About 255 Nigerians were flown into Nigeria from London, on Friday, May 8, on account of the COVID-19.
The first batch of 256 evacuees from Dubai arrived Lagos on Wednesday and were immediately quarantined in undisclosed hotels, and their passports were temporarily seized.
According to the guidelines, returnees must be in recommended apparel, long sleeve tops and full-length trousers or ankle-length skirts for females and long-sleeve shirts and full-length trousers for males.
Returnees must ensure they keep their face masks in place for the duration of the flight except during meals after which they must put the face mask back on. Also, they are expected to fill self-reporting/health assessment forms while onboard.
"Returnees are to be tested during the period of quarantine, and on the 14th day of the quarantine, a positive test would necessitate their transfer to an isolation/treatment facility.
"At the end of the quarantine period, evacuees can go home, but they will be followed by the surveillance team for another 7 days."
An official said that the returnees were not tested for coronavirus ahead of repatriation as they could be re-infected during the flight.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, evacuation continues as it is an important measure to ensure Nigerians are safe as the pandemic sweeps the world.
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