Coronavirus: Stranded Aussies defy warnings to come home

Australians travellers rejecting expensive flights home are being told not to expect the government to bail them out later.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne. Picture: AAP

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has warned Australian travellers who pass up the chance for commercial flights home not to expect the government to bail them out later, as stranded Aussies push for government-funded rescue flights.

In Nepal, there has been a pushback by some travellers over a special April 1 Nepal Airlines flight organised to get Australians home due to the $4000-per-seat cost.

“If enough Australians refuse to pay this exorbitant fee, we can arrange for a better deal,” one traveller said in a Facebook group for Australians in Nepal.

“We are citizens of Australia and the government has a duty to protect our welfare.”

The government is also worried about 3000 Australian tourists and 4500 expats in Bali who appear to be defying government warnings to return home.

Senator Payne said attempts to put pressure on the government to fund repatriation flights amid COVID-19 border closures were “wrong and irresponsible”.

“We will not prioritise support for Australians who have rejected commercial options and mistakenly expect a direct, government repatriation,” she told The Australian.

“We have a very clear message for Australians who are overseas and want to come home: do not wait, and do not pass up opportunities to take commercial flights,” Senator Payne said.

“There may not be alternatives. Remember, a great many Australians need help right now, not just overseas but also here at home.

“The Australian government is having to make hard decisions about how best to prioritise the nation’s resources to help the most needy and to spread the pain equitably.”

“The government is working hard to help Australians get home but the first preference must be remaining commercial flights.

“We understand that from many countries this is not possible, but where it is possible, Australians should not delay.”

An unknown number of Australians remain trapped overseas, with travellers in India, the Philippines, parts of Central and South America, and South Africa facing the prospect of having to wait out the coronavirus crisis unless the government intervenes.

A further 2000 Australians are on about 20 cruise liners around the world that have been unable to dock.

The federal government is working with Qantas to keep regional flights to regional air hubs open for as long as possible, and is looking at options for additional flights where borders have been closed.

Senator Payne said Australia’s diplomatic and consular staff would do everything the could to support Australians who were forced to remain overseas in coming weeks.

“We acknowledge this is a difficult and stressful time. Australians overseas should obey local laws and abide by new measures put in place by foreign governments in response to the COVID-19 crisis,” she said.