09/14/2020
SAFE RETURN OF STRANDED FIJIANS IN CANADA MADE POSSIBLE BY AAISA VACATIONS OF SURREY.
Sept 12th. Written by: Irshad Khan
Amid Covid-19 pandemic in March, many families were stranded abroad as Aircrafts across the Globe were grounded due to Health and safety reasons with close Border restrictions by many countries.
Fijians were no exception who travelled to Canada, before cancelation of flights.
There are a number of Fijian passport holders who have been in Canada for an extended period of time due to COVID-19 related border restrictions.
Amongst visitors to Canada were many elderly Fijians who had their visa and medical insurance expired as the time went by creating panic and anxiety. Many elders who were on prescribed medicine quickly ran out of stock restricting renewal as per Canadian Medical Health standard.
With not much information on hand and no repatriation flights going back home, it created uncertainty for their return.
Nevertheless, one individual decided to take matter into his hand. The Director of a Fijian Travel agency in Surrey, Mr Kavin Chand, who operates Aaisa Vacations, could not stand on the sideline and watch the demise unfold.
He personaly contacted Fiji Government to coordinate a safe passage return for stranded Fijians in Canada.
Once mandate was given by the Fiji Government via email to Mr Chand, as to what cost will be covered and what was expected from the returning passengers.
Mr Chand, started to make necessary arrangements around June. in accordance with the Travel advice issued by the Government of Fiji.
Since there's no direct flight between Canada and Nadi, travellers have no other option but to travel via Los Angeles and Auckland on an Air New Zealand flights which requires transit visa for both countries.
'Those passengers who cannot obtain either country's visa, for some reason, alternative route arrangements can be made" said Mr Kavin.
Fijians are required to pay their cost of traveling to Nadi. And once the flight lands in Fiji, the local Health Authority will receive the passengers at the Airport and transport them to designated Tanoa Hotel in Nadi, where they are required by law to be tested and quarantined for 14 days.
If you are a Fiji Passport holder, the Quarantine cost will be covered by the Government, however, if you are not, the total cost will be under $3000 (FJ) for visitors. $2500.00 for Hotel and meal expenses, $200.00 for Transportation and $300.00 for Covid-19 Swab test.
Meanwhile, an 87 year old woman ( Pictured below) from Molomolo Nadi , who came to Surrey in January, successfully landed in Fiji, with entire trip arrangements made possible by Aasia Vacations.
Her son in law Mr Mun Reddy, an owner of a Body Shop in Surrey, told Fiji News In Canada.
"My Mother-In-Law was eager to go back home after she came to visit us in January, and with expired visa, medical insurance, prescriptions, flight restrictions and zero information on hand we had no idea where to even start her travel arrangements".
'we are very thankful to Aaisa Vacations Director Mr Kavin Chand, for making the necessary travel arrangements possible, and if it was not for him, specially considering my mother in laws weak eye sight and age, perhaps, it would not have been possible'.
He added, " Now, my mother in law has safely arrived in Fiji and will be in Quarantine for another week or so".
Since June, Aasia Vacations have made travel arrangements for atlesst 10 stranded Fijian Passport holders who came to Canada prior to flights getting grounded.
