Two flights are still planned before the end of the largest repatriation operation ever organized by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Nearly 7000 people have already been brought back to Switzerland, said the FDFA in a press release on Friday.
Saturday, a special flight will leave Calcutta, in India, to land Zurich Sunday morning and Wednesday, a last flight, in theory, of return with Swiss travelers is planned from Africa, according to the press release. The 33 flights already made have brought 6950 stranded people abroad, including 3974 Swiss nationals. More than 1,500 Swiss nationals have been able to return thanks to flights organized by other states.
Lump sum
The Confederation has advanced the funds, around 10 million francs, and passengers will be billed a lump sum depending on the distance. For short routes (up to 1,500 km), the cost will be 400 francs, for medium routes (1,500 3,500 km) 600 francs and for long routes (over 3,500 km) 1,100 francs. For journeys of more than 12,000 km, the amount billed to passengers will be 1,700 francs, the FDFA said.
This distribution of costs should cover approximately 80% of the operation. The FDFA will contribute to the remaining 20%.
Despite the efforts, not everyone will be able to be repatriated, recalled the FDFA, stressing that according to data from the embassies, a few hundred people currently wish to return to the country. They may, however, benefit from consular support and protection within the limits of their means.
Since the start of the crisis last month, the helpline of the FDFA has received more than 10,000 telephone calls and around 18,000 emails. This service, which provides assistance and information to people abroad, normally handles around 50,000 requests for assistance per year, said the FDFA.
(nxp / ats)
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