“On Wednesday, April 26, I met with members of the Sudanese community living in Australia to explain our efforts to help Australian citizens and their families leave Sudan and to hear their worries about the situation there. I emphasized my sorrow over the case and the unnecessary deaths brought on by the rising violence, and I sent the sincere sympathies of the Australian Government to those who had lost friends and loved ones. It was a fruitful meeting, and I thank everyone who came for their perspectives, candid assessments of the circumstances, and helpful recommendations for the next steps, said Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Australia requests that all sides adhere to the existing truce, end hostilities, and stop all unnecessary bloodshed. The only way ahead for the people of Sudan is through negotiation.
Security conditions are still volatile and hazardous. We assist Australian citizens and their families in leaving Sudan by working with partners. Now safely out of Sudan are nearly 70 Australians.
Additional consular officers have been sent by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to Djibouti, Jeddah, Cyprus, and Cairo to assist Australians in Sudan and their families and those who have already left. To help Australians as much as possible, DFAT’s Crisis Centre is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. DFAT has embedded an officer in the UK Crisis Centre to guarantee coordination with UK evacuation plans.
The easiest method for people to learn about possibilities for leaving Sudan is to enter their information in our online registration portal on the Smartraveller website. Through SMS and email, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is directly in touch with those who have registered to discuss their options for leaving Sudan.
Those in the community worried about the safety of their Australian friends and family in Sudan can register their information on the Smartraveller website or call the Consular Emergency Centre at 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 62613305 abroad.
Australians who intend to leave Sudan should seriously consider it and depart as soon as feasible. Today (April 27), Australian citizens in Sudan have access to several flights run by alliance nations from the Wadi Sayyidna airport to the north of Khartoum. Tonight marks the conclusion of the 72-hour ceasefire, and other breakouts are not guaranteed. Boats leave Port Sudan for Jeddah if Australians in Sudan cannot reach Wadi Sayyidna.
Before attempting to leave by any means, especially during ceasefires, Australians in Sudan should carefully weigh the hazards. Australians should continue to seek shelter in a safe location if they need more confidence in the security and dependability of any available departure option. Australians in Sudan should keep an eye on the media and keep heeding the recommendations on Smartraveller.
Holders of Sudanese temporary visas in Australia can check the details of their tickets through our Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO) if they want to prolong their stay. A “no further stay condition” associated with a visa can be waived by submitting an application at No further stay waiver (homeaffairs.gov.au). The waiver request must be submitted before the visa expires and submitted as soon as feasible to allow for evaluation.
I know that the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan is causing great anxiety among many in the Sudanese community. The Australian Government appeals to all parties to safeguard medical facilities and provide partners with secure humanitarian access so they can give the people of Sudan life-saving aid. Regarding their response to the crisis, we are in constant communication with our humanitarian partners.
