Pacific

Wallisians stranded in Fiji return home

17:02 pm on 16 June 2020

Wallis and Futuna has repatriated five residents who had been stranded in Fiji for three months because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The official flag of the French overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna. Photo: supplied

According to the public broadcaster, a Twin-Otter was sent to Fiji to return them in an operation which reportedly cost $US24000.

The five, who are businesspeople, will be in quarantine for two weeks.

Another repatriation flight arrived from Noumea, bringing in 102 people.

They were mainly Wallisians and Futunians but also included nine police officers from France who had been in quarantine in New Caledonia.

There are still residents stranded overseas, including students who won't return for the holidays but are eligible for financial support from the authorities.

The flight from Noumea brought the third group of residents back to Wallis since the Covid-19 crisis eased in New Caledonia.

Wallis has been the only French-run territory to remain Covid-19 free.