First repatriation flight for Samoa citizens in A.S. confirmed for today

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — ASG Coronavirus Task Force chairman Iulogologo Joseph Pereira has confirmed that the first repatriation flight for citizens of Samoa stranded in the territory is scheduled for today, Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Samoa nationals wanting to travel on the repatriation flights must register with the Samoa Consul General Office in Fagatogo — but there are restrictions.

Through a posting on its Facebook page late Tuesday afternoon in Samoa (Monday in American Samoa), Samoa Airways announced that the scheduling of one repatriation flight for Samoa nationals only from Pago Pago to Apia. The flight is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 23rd, today, in American Samoa.

The social media posting quickly attracted attention from American Samoa residents and shared with others, especially Samoa citizens, who have been looking for an update on when repatriation flights to Samoa will begin.

The Samoa government owned airline also points out American Samoa Health Department’s “medical clearance and negative COVID-19 test results are mandatory for travel.”

Responding to Samoa News inquiries, Iulogologo confirmed that the repatriation flight for Samoa Citizens is scheduled today, and “it is true that those leaving will have to undergo COVID-19 testing as required.”

“Those leaving will go through regular vetting by the Attorney General and the Immigration Office,” Iulogologo said yesterday morning.

Two weeks ago when Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga granted Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi’s request for repatriation flights, it was also made clear that all travelers to Samoa will go through the vetting process by the territory’s Attorney General.

Additionally, the Samoa Airways aircraft based here for Manu’a flights will carry out repatriation flights for Samoa and the return flight from Apia will not have any passengers.

In a news conference in Apia earlier this week, Samoa National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) chairman Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo announced the repatriation flights, which he explained are exclusively for returning Samoa citizens from American Samoa, with no passengers on the return flight to Pago Pago.

Agafili advised all Samoa citizens who are stranded in the territory due to the COVID-19 lockdown and wishing to return home to register with the Consular General of Samoa, Manogiamanu Fonoti Etuale at the Samoa Consular Office in Fagatogo.

The news conference, followed by a Samoa government press release, states that there are conditions for returning citizens of Samoa to meet:

• Complete medical clearance, and negative COVID 19 test, to register with the Consul General’s Office in Pago Pago.

• Samoa citizens — who are also permanent residents in American Samoa — who may wish to travel to Samoa for the festive season or to visit families are not eligible.

Iulogologo has re-emphasized that the “Governor has made it known that those repatriated will not be able to return until the borders are opened.” Further, the governor’s approval for repatriation flights also includes that no passengers are to be on the return flights from Samoa.

Also approved by the governor was the resumption of cargo-only service by the Samoa government owned MV Lady Naomi between the two Samoas. The passenger ferry arrived yesterday from Apia and was expected take a lot of cargo on its return trip to Samoa.