The government has come under fire again, for what some view as conflicting information, about a travel loan, to facilitate Jamaican students leaving Ukraine.

The loan offer was made earlier this month, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated that many of the students declined the offer.

Comments on social media indicate that the students expressed concern about inability to repay.

Some students had indicated an interest in returning to Jamaica and the government began making travel arrangements.

The ministry said several other students then gave various reasons for not leaving Ukraine.

These include, reluctance to travel if unable to take pet cat; needing assistance for non-Jamaican fiancé to obtain a German visa; residency status not regularized; unpaid tuition fees which would result in penalties by university; fears of not being unable to complete studies; and wanting to wait and see if the situation would change.

The ministry said that on February 17, it responded to one student via email, confirming that the ticket is at no cost.

It said by February 21, another student had challenges with obtaining a visa, and decided to decline the plane ticket.

The ministry added that, at least 2 universities in Ukraine, have indicated that they would be making online classes available.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that at this point the priority is to get the students home, and that the government will just offer them assistance in getting home.

He explained that while the offer of a travel loan is standard procedure, in the past when the loan was given to students, the repayment was not pursued.

Some critics have chastised the government for not clearly communicating with the students, about the option of not having to pay for their travel.