Foreign Service working tirelessly on assisting and repatriating Croatian nationals

The Croatian Foreign Service is committed to the response to the COVID-19 crisis and, along with international activities to procure medical equipment, pays special attention to the return (repatriation) of Croatian nationals from across the globe...

The Croatian Foreign Service is committed to the response to the COVID-19 crisis and, along with international activities to procure medical equipment, pays special attention to the return (repatriation) of Croatian nationals from across the globe. Through numerous direct contacts between the Croatian foreign minister and his counterparts - notably the foreign ministers of Austria, Hungary and Slovenia - successful repatriation has been ensured. 

Croatia's diplomatic and consular network, together with the Consular Affairs Directorate, is providing relevant information to the public and working tirelessly on assisting and repatriating Croatian nationals from the EU and third countries - often in cooperation with the member states.

Repatriation is taking place in difficult and extremely challenging conditions, given that many countries have declared state of emergency, restricted or banned the entry of foreigners, stopped local and intercity traffic, closed down airports, etc.

The return of 11 Croatian nationals from Barcelona, 29 from Madrid, 7 from Havana and 13 from the hot spot of Tyrol, Austria, are just some of the activities performed by the relevant Croatian embassies. Repatriations have also been organized in remote parts of the world - 16 Croatian nationals from Peru and 1 from Bolivia.

Last week, a humanitarian convoy from Skopje via Serbia was allowed unhindered transit through Croatia to its destination in Slovenia. In addition, 20 Croatian nationals were repatriated yesterday from New Delhi via Frankfurt.

Furthermore, through coordinated efforts by the relevant embassies, the return of Croatian nationals from the Czech Republic, who were there for medical treatment, has also been ensured, as has the departure of new patients from Croatia to the Czech Republic.

Basic communication with European partners and the EEAS takes place within the Consular Affairs Working Party. In third countries, Croatia's diplomatic and consular offices have a coordinating role because of Croatia's presidency of the Council of the EU. The free flow of information, care for EU citizens and field coordination with the member states are just some of the responsibilities.

For instance, despite the airports being shut down, the General Consulate in Dubai ensured the departure for Zagreb of a plane with EU citizens, including 32 Croatian nationals, who were detained in transit.

One must also note the successful return of Croatian nationals from Wuhan and the "Grand Princess" cruise ship in Japan, as well as the repatriation of 24 Croats from Morocco, 25 from Warsaw, 2 from the Philippines, 16 from Slovakia, 9 from Tanzania and 13 from Overseas France.

Aware of the large number of seasonal workers who have found themselves in difficult situations, the relevant diplomatic and consular offices are trying to find the best solution for their return as well.

In the period ahead, the diplomatic and consular offices, together with the Consular Affairs Directorate, will continue to work on ensuring the swift repatriation of all other Croatian nationals who have requested assistance, which we will inform the public about in a timely manner. 

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