Yiannis arrived in Greece just in time for mum’s funeral, but the ordeal is ongoing

collage of Yiannis Pilalidis and Australian-Greek passport

Thousands of Australians are still struggling to return home since the pandemic began Source: Yiannis Pilalidis - (R) SBS Greek

There are approximately 43,000 Australians currently registered as wishing to return home. Vice President of the Central Pontian Association of Victoria, Yiannis Pilalidis is one of them


Back in June, when he applied for the exemption to travel to Greece, he was hoping to see his severely ill mum for the last time.

The green light for the trip came with delay though, with Mr Pilalidis arriving just on time for her funeral.

But his ordeal continues on, being stuck in Greece since, away from his children and family, amidst flights cancellations due to caps on Australian arrivals.
I don’t know what else to do[...]Australia should give us the opportunity to get back to our homes.
And his COVID-19 vaccination status is not helping the situation either.

Listen to Mr Pilalidis’ interview in Greek.
LISTEN TO
Yiannis arrived in Greece just in time for mum’s funeral, but the ordeal is ongoing image

‘Δεν ξέρω τί άλλο να κάνω’: Μαρτυρία συμπαροίκου, από τους χιλιάδες εγκλωβισμένους εκτός Αυστραλίας

SBS Greek

05:59

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