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Written question asked by Baroness Debbonaire (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 April 2020. It was answered by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 May 2020 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Panama: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department plans to provide repatriation flights for British citizens stranded in Panama during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answer

The Government has committed up to £75 million to help thousands of British people return home from priority countries where there is greatest need. As of 30 April, we have brought back more than 21,000 people on 102 flights organised by the Foreign Office from 21 different countries and territories. We have helped 85 British nationals in Panama access commercial repatriation flights, including a group of 46 people who were attending the Tribal Gathering festival. Our Embassy in Panama City has provided domestic transportation, safe passage documentation, and secure access to multiple exceptional departure options.

We will continue working to bring British nationals back to the UK where commercial options do not exist, focusing on the most vulnerable. We are still working through future plans, identifying where needs are greatest, and where charter flights will have the greatest impact on vulnerable British nationals overseas. British Embassy Panama City's Travel Advice and social media channels are updated frequently with information on lockdown measures and departure options, where available. Those affected can contact the Embassy directly by emailing BEPanama.CV@fco.gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
40668
Session
2019-21
Subjects
British nationals abroad Repatriation Panama Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk