The return of the seven stranded Papua New Guineans in Tuvalu could be delayed by the current COVID-19 situation faced in Fiji. Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, where the capital Nadi is situated, is under threat following a surge in COVID-19 cases, which could lead to further flight restrictions. This would make transit flights difficult; therefore, the Tuvalu government has assured the group that once the situation in Fiji eases, the seven will be on the first flight out of Tuvalu back to Papua New Guinea. According to the group’s spokes person Mr. Isaac Ronnie, while they continue to remain in Tuvalu, they will be taken care of by the Tuvalu government. “We met with the Justice and Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Simon Kofe. He advised us that during our stay in Tuvalu, the Government will support us with meal allowance until the Tuvalu Government repatriate us back home. Also the Tuvalu Government will pay all our outstanding fortnights,” said Mr. Ronnie. The seven were employees of the now liquidated Nawae Construction Ltd. Their former company was a sub- contractor to a Chinese company that was contracted by the Tuvalu government to work on a World Bank funded boat harbour project on one of the southern islands of Tuvalu. After the company (Nawae) went bankrupt mid last year and the sub-contract ceased, the seven were abandoned and had to struggle to survive whilst living on the vessels belonging to the company that they arrived on. The Tuvalu government later heard of their plight and came to their assistance.