Controversy is trailing the Federal Government’s plan to evacuate Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom back to the country, according to a report by the Voice for African Migrants.
This is as the embattled citizens have alleged that they were being compelled to undergo the Covid-19 test in private health centers even when the UK government said the test is free for citizens and non-citizens resident in the country.
Covid-19 test in private centres in the UK according to findings cost £350.
“Mobihealth asked us to pay £350 and the result will be ready in five days. The Nigerian officials told us that it is imperative for us to do the test at Mobilhealth because the UK health system may not be available to do the test for us because it is very tight at the moment for them. If we pay that sum, we would still have to pay for the ticket. That is too much for us at this point,”one of the citizens who did not want her name in print said.
Another expressed disappointment at the development describing it as a rip off. “If you are not having symptoms, the UK government will not test you. Why then are our people requesting that we must all do the test? They can keep us in an isolated area when we get to Nigeria and take anyone with symptoms out for treatment”.
One of the lady at Mobilhealth says she was pulling out when she saw the dimension the matter was assuming. “They are making it look as if the test is voluntary but in actual fact, they have told us that without it, they would not allow us to board. Did the Chinese doctors they brought to Nigeria present any Covid-19 test result before being allowed into the country?”.
Nigeria may have by this decision, discouraged a large number of the stranded citizens in the United Kingdom willing to be brought back home.
Many of the citizens who had earlier indicated interest to come back said the costs of the test and ticket are enormous for them and that they may decide to stay back.
The Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on Monday was reported to have put forward fresh conditions that the embattled citizens must meet before they could be considered for the trip back home.
The commission in a statement, signed by one Inyang E. Inyang, said: “We have received your application for evacuation from the UK during the COVID-19 period. A major condition for your return will be to have done the COVID-19 test in the UK. You will not be allowed to board without having taken the test. The test is for patients (people)16 years and older. We look forward to bringing you back home.”
NIDCOM explained that while it understands that it may be difficult for some intending returnees to have the test done through the UK NHS as some may not meet the NHS conditions, it however advised that Nigerians in the UK interested in having a private COVID-19 laboratory test within the United Kingdom may consider using private laboratories approved for such test by the UK government.
The commission, according to reports, had advised that one of such facilities can be reached via [email protected] or contact Dr Funmi Adewara on +447753656688.
“This is a Public Health England-approved COVID-19 testing centre. Laboratory results are said to be within 3-5 working days. So, you are free to make your options and decisions”.
The request for valid proof of Covid-19 test result demandeded by the commission excludes the initial condition that intending returnees will have to be responsible for the cost of their flight back home.
