By Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
It’s not a question of why but a question of when Government will proceed with the new proposed policy for returning Samoans from overseas to pay for their Repatriation Costs.
Cabinet in its’ last meeting for 2021 on 22nd December has instructed the National Emergency Operation Center, (NEOC) to research and submit a list of options for Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Cabinet to review on how best to implement the proposed policy.
Consequently Prime Minister Fiame in recent months has repeatedly indicated during her weekly Press Conferences that transferring the financial responsibility for returning Samoans to pay if not all than part of the repatriation costs borne by Government since the State of Emergency Orders for COVID19 was declared on 20th March 2020 is under Cabinet scrutiny.
Except for dinner which are paid by the individuals, all other expenses from accommodation, breakfast and lunch, transport, personnel etc. are billed to Government.
Conservative estimates provided by the NEOC Chairman and Secretary to Cabinet Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo during a press conference this week indicates that Government Repatriation costs is in the neighborhood of $20 million since the Repatriation of Samoans started.
“The costs are astronomical,” Agafili told the media. “NEOC is researching a range of options available and how to effectively and efficiently roll out the policy which will eventually come under Cabinet’s scrutiny and discretion before its’ enforced.”
The NEOC Chairman also confirmed media inquiries that fines have been issued for a number of Samoans with dual citizenship who have taken advantage of the free Repatriation provided by Government.
And they have been restricted from using their dual citizenship to globetrot at the expense of local taxpayers.
For instance, the dual citizenship holders have returned home using their Samoan passport and citizenship then flies overseas a few weeks later using their New Zealand, Australia or US passports.
“It’s a known fact and we have put an end to that,” Agafili reassured.
As of 20th December 2021 according to NEOC data, 7,829 Samoans have been repatriated home since March 2020 accounting for 120 flights. The majority of the repatriated are Samoan citizens and Seasonal Workers from New Zealand who have completed their temporary employment contracts.
