Thousands of Italians still stranded abroad due to coronavirus pandemic

A total 8,000 Italians are still stuck abroad since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out earlier this year, according to the Italian foreign ministry.

The ministry has so far brought home over 80,000 Italian citizens stranded abroad when countries suspended international flights and closed their borders amid coronavirus fears, the ministry said in a statement.

The Italians have been repatriated from 117 countries in over 750 operations aboard planes, boats and by land, the statement said.

The foreign ministry said its diplomats are making "exceptional" efforts to repatriate all Italian citizens who wish to return home.