Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned there are limitations to rescuing Australians stranded overseas in lockdowns to contain COVID-19.
SBS News has spoken to Australians in Peru pleading for help from authorities to secure their return home.
The South American nation’s tight restrictions to contain the virus have meant they're trapped in the country in lockdown.
But Prime Minister Morrison offered no promises to those stuck overseas when questioned about their situation.
“Our wonderful DFAT team will continue to assist Australians wherever they practically can,” he said.
“But there are limitations to what can be done.”
Australians stranded abroad say they have felt “abandoned” as they struggle to follow advice from the Federal Government to return to Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says there are "limitations" to helping those stranded abroad. Source: AAP
The Department of Foreign Affairs has informed all citizens already abroad to return home on commercial flights as soon as possible.
Australian Darrell Cruse has spent the past few days stuck in the Peruvian city of Cusco with uncertainty surrounding his next move.
The 43-year-old told SBS News the city is in “lockdown” and he's “not allowed to leave” his building.
“I just want to get home,” he said.
Meanwhile, 22-year old Ashlee Baker and her travel companions 25-year-old Ali MacGregor and her sister, 22-year-old Tess are also stuck in Peru.
Darrell Cruse is just one of a number of Australians who are abroad and struggling to find a way back home amid tightening international borders. Source: Supplied
Ms Baker told SBS News her group has felt let down by authorities.
“We feel abandoned and very scared at this time and just want to come home,” she said.
Tess MacGregor, Ashlee Baker and Ali MacGregor say they have been offered little information on how to return to Australia. Source: Supplied
The pandemic has caused mass disruption in cities around the world as countries grapple to contain the virus’s spread through lockdown measures.
The Federal Government has previously organised flights to rescue Australians from the initial epicentre of the virus in China’s Wuhan.
It's also brought back people trapped on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.
But the prime minister has downplayed the likelihood of such measures taking place again.
“There will be Australians in many places around the world who will find themselves finding it a lot harder to get back than otherwise,” he said.
“Those who find themselves in a more remote location will have to work closely with our consular officers."
On Thursday, Australia imposed a ban on all non-citizens and non-residents entering the country to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The nation has also announced a level four travel advisory on the entire world, telling all Australians not to travel overseas.
Mr Morrison said he hopes those trapped abroad “are safe” - but “all people” around the world are finding themselves in “those circumstances”.
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