UK secures charter flights to evacuate citizens from both Abuja and Lagos

The UK government working closely with airlines has now secured agreement for charter flights to evacuate citizens from Nigeria to the UK, from both Abuja and Lagos.

Over 2,000 foreign nationals from the US, Canada, Germany, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, South Africa, and France have been evacuated from Nigeria since the outbreak of COVID-19.

In a statement by the British High Commission on its verified Twitter page, the Mission emphasized that to be eligible for all flights, the primary residence has to be in the UK.

Also, intending evacuees are expected to pay for their seats and priority will be placed on those who have an underlying medical condition, which places them at greater risk of serious illness if they contract COVID-19.

The UK Mission noted that the federal government had assured it that people who exceeded their authorized visa expiry date as a result of travel restrictions linked to COVID-19 would not be penalised.

The statement read in part: “There are currently no commercial options available to return to the UK from Nigeria. All airports in Nigeria are closed to all international commercial flights until 23 April.

“We know this concerning British people trying to leave Nigeria.

“The Nigerian authorities have told us that people who exceed their authorised visa stays as a result of travel restrictions linked to COVID-19 will not be penalised as over-stayers when they depart.

“The evacuation process would continue till Monday, adding that more flights might follow if the already scheduled flight did not airlift all those intended to leave Nigeria.

“If you’re a short-term British traveller and believe you are in the vulnerable category you should express your interest in returning to the UK by emailing Consular.Lagos@fco.gov.uk as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.”