in the ordeal for Algerians stranded abroad because of border closures? This Thursday, May 13, the Minister of Health, Abderrahmane Benbouzid, told local media that the scientific committee for monitoring the pandemic recommended the repatriation of Algerians and the entry of foreigners “by imposing strict conditions”. Thus, a negative PCR test, at least 36 hours before departure, will be required as well as antigenic tests on arrival on Algerian territory. Positive cases detected should be quarantined in hotels (at the expense of travelers) for ten days.
“As for people from countries known for their strong spread of the virus, they will be subject to more stringent measures: after the 10-day confinement, they will have to undergo in-depth medical examinations,” added the minister. . Abderrahmane Benbouzid who did not give more details was content to indicate that “these latest developments do not mean the total opening of borders, because the decision is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Health”.
But according to the specialized site Visas et Voyages Algeria, “things could become clearer in the coming days, or even in the coming hours”, while the program for the repatriation of Algerians by special flights has been suspended since 1is March 2021 and that the borders have been closed – and commercial flights suspended – since March 17, 2020. Only foreign companies, Air France and ASL, could transport foreign nationals or Algerians from and to France, mostly diplomats or businessmen, benefiting from special exemptions provided by the Algerian authorities.
The angry diaspora
The border issue arouses debate and anger among Algerians stranded or living abroad. The last episode of tension was caused by the discovery of the presence of the Indian variant in early May, west of Algiers. These cases concern Indian nationals working in a construction site and having been able to enter Algeria thanks to a special authorization. Beyond the concern about these cases, public opinion, especially within the diaspora, had revolted against the fact that one prevents Algerians from returning to the country while foreign workers do it without hindrance. Recently, a coalition of associations of Algerians living abroad recalled its calls for the reopening of borders for Algerians with the application of health protocols on entry into the territory and demanded the cancellation of the special authorizations requested from Algerians who want to go home.
Follow a “clear procedure”
For months, testimonies and press reports, but also sit-ins of the diaspora abroad, have multiplied expressing the distress of these separated families, of these nationals without resources stranded abroad, of this mourning that has been impossible since. the ban, last April, for relatives to accompany the repatriation of remains to Algeria.
Asked yesterday, May 12 by TSA, Professor Mohamed Belhocine, epidemiologist and member of the scientific committee, declared that it would be “for us to set up a very clear and very transparent procedure so that any Algerian citizen abroad know that if he follows a clear procedure, he will be able to go home ”. “Because currently,” he continues, “there are a lot of people who are stuck and it is tragic to live in a situation where parents die and where children, sometimes vaccinated, cannot attend the funeral and mourn. “.
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