Remarks by the Chancellor, Claudia Blum, on efforts made with the nationals abroad

Cordial greetings to all citizens.

In a special way, I want to reaffirm my recognition to Colombian ambassadors and consuls abroad, for their total commitment to assist our compatriots.

The National Government, under the leadership of President Iván Duque, continues to adopt necessary measures to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At this time, the Chancellery has two priorities. One is international action to make donations and support priority acquisitions for our country and its health system.

Another missionary priority is assistance to Colombians abroad, identifying and defining responses to new needs as a result of the worldwide emergency by COVID-19.

In this context, our consulates supported 3,196 Colombians who were on tourism or business trips and needed urgent assistance to return to the country due to the entry restrictions defined in Colombia and the different countries affected by the Pandemic.

Currently, and under Decree 439 of 2020 that suspended the entry of travelers, we have consolidated a census of compatriots who, while temporarily abroad, did not manage to return and need support for their subsistence in each place.

There are 2,568 people with different needs, including shelter and food.

Based on this census, the Government is defining the necessary resources to send them to consulates and embassies as soon as possible.

Once these resources have been approved, the Foreign Ministry will begin disbursement so that the embassies and consulates can execute the assistance plan.

We will give priority to the most vulnerable people, such as older adults, pregnant women, homes with children and people with disabilities.

Likewise, with our embassies and consulates we have been in dialogues with different governments to help Colombians affected by international maritime restrictions. Thanks to this, they have been able to land compatriots in the cases of Lisbon and San Diego.

We are aware of the great difficulties that the pandemic generates in all countries. For this reason, the Government will continue working jointly with all Colombians to face this situation.

We must remain united and act jointly in the face of this challenge facing humanity