Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government can only repatriate final year and graduating students from various regional tertiary institutions - everyone else will remain.

He says that with more than 1,000 students wanting to come home the financial implications, and quarantine arrangements once in country, will be an issue.

Sogavare says that the government will continue to support students that will remain back with allowances until classes resume in 2021.

He says the government will keep everyone informed on any repatriation flights for final year and graduating students.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare says that preliminary financial figures show that COVID-19 continues to have a significant negative impact on government finances and the economy.

He says the October fiscal situation is continuing to tighten as the country moves into November - with all key indicators suggesting an incredibly challenging situation through to the end of the financial year.