Government is taking bold measures to ensure the repatriation of Mauritians stuck in Ukraine since Russia has forced special military operations in Ukraine, and is closely monitoring the situation so as to take up necessary actions accordingly in support of Mauritians in need.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, made this statement, today, at a press conference in Port-Louis.
The Minister gave an overview of the situation in Ukraine while highlighting those matters are worsening in that country. He pointed out that presently around one million refugees have already left Ukraine and that some four million are expected to leave the country soon.
Minister Ganoo said that so far some ten Mauritians have sought assistance through the Mauritian Embassy based in Moscow. Government, he emphasised, is doing its best with the help of partner countries to repatriate the Mauritians at the earliest.
On this score, he stated that one student is being repatriated and will land in Mauritius tomorrow. Another Mauritian, along with his child and wife of Ukrainian origin will be repatriated to Mauritius in the coming days, Minister Ganoo indicated.
The Ministry, he informed has also put in place a hotline for families of Mauritians blocked in Ukraine to facilitate communication and the repatriation exercise.
As regards some eight Ukrainian tourists currently in Mauritius, he said that Government will be extending their visa and provide them with an accommodation until calm resumes in Ukraine.
He also spoke about the adoption by the United Nations (UN) of a Resolution in favour of Ukraine by the UN’s General Assembly on 02 March 2022 demanding Russia to immediately cease its military operations in Ukraine. A total of 141 countries voted in favour of the Resolution, five voted against and 35 abstained, which reaffirms Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, he added.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all Mauritian families who are collaborating in the repatriation exercise and reiterated Government’s commitment to help the Mauritians stranded in Ukraine. He urged them to come forward and contact the Ministry and Mauritian Embassy for any assistance during this crisis.
