Australians stuck in Iraq are calling on the Morrison government to help them return home, as a travel ban in the Middle Eastern country continues to be enforced.
The Iraqi government suspended flights in and out of the country in mid-March to combat the spread of coronavirus. The ban was extended to May 22, and it is not clear whether it will continue past this date.
Only special flights run by Qatar Airways are operating in the country.
In an email dated April 29, seen by SBS Arabic24 and sent an Australian wanting to make the return flight, the Australian Embassy in Iraq stated: “Based on the special flights in early April 2020, we are estimating the cost could be around AUD 6,500 per ticket. This has not been confirmed and will be set by Qatar Airways as the Australian Embassy has no control over prices.”
Qatar Airways told SBS Arabic24 that the airline wasn't considering commercial or special flights to Iraq at this stage and there weren't any charter flights currently planned.
Qatar Airways Source: AAP
Nagah Farhan, an Australian stuck in Baghdad, said it was “unexpectable” to ask someone to pay such an amount for a flight which would normally cost between A$1400 and A$2000.
Ms Farhan and her son were visiting family in Iraq when the coronavirus pandemic was announced.
Iraqi authorities were taking precautions at airports before the travel ban. Source: AP
With the prospect of paying A$13,000 to return to Australia, she said the situation has become desperate.
“Many Australians from Iraqi ran out of money and are sleeping in mosques now,” she said.
“I don’t have this money. So, what is the solution? We need a solution.
“Will Australia abandon us during this crisis? I have four children in Australia. Every day they cry to me on the phone because they want me back.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) told SBS Arabic24 that the Australian Embassy in Iraq “continues to explore options that will help Australians in Iraq to return home, including commercial non-scheduled options”.
“We continue to urge Australians to follow DFAT’s travel advice. Iraq is a ‘do not travel’ destination,” the statement said.
Loan scheme
The DFAT advice to Australians not to travel to Iraq has been unchanged for at least the past decade and consular services provided to Australians in the country "may be very limited".
In April, the Australian Embassy in Iraq began offering loans to those who can’t afford the cost of the tickets, as part of DFAT’s Traveller Emergency Loan (TEL) scheme.
In an email sent to an Australian in Iraq, the embassy stated: “If you require a loan, tickets will be booked and paid for by the Australian Embassy and issued to clients, funds will not be provided to individuals. Once tickets are booked the loan will be enforced.”
As part of the scheme, the recipient is required to pay the full amount back within six months of their arrival into Australia or faces consequences.
According to the Deed for The Provision of consular services and financial assistance: “DFAT reserves the right to cancel, suspend or refuse to issue further passports under section 16 of the Australian Passports Act 2005 (Cth) until the Repayment Amount has been paid in full.”
'Australians should not rely on free flights'
The global threat of coronavirus has seen more than 300,000 Australians return home since March 13.
When asked about the Australians in Iraq, or the cost of a ticket for those individuals repatriated from other countries including Peru, DFAT referred SBS Arabic24 to a statement from April 9, which reads: “The Government has been clear that fully assisted departures that were provided for Australians in Wuhan and Yokohama were undertaken on public health grounds and are unlikely to be repeated. Australians should not rely on free flights.”
Australians requiring consular assistance can contact the Embassy or call DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 153 from Australia or +61 6261 3305 from overseas.
