Due to the alarming surge in coronavirus cases in India, Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison has put bans on flights from India. The PM has said that the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to the risk of infection. However, there is still a loophole using which stranded passengers in India might get into Australia. Also, Mr Morrison has banned indirect flights via Dubai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, but did not speak about any possible bans through Qatar and China. Now, all Australian residents and citizens who have been in India within 14 days of the date they plan to return to back home will be banned from entering Australia. Moreover, those who disobey the orders can face fines and jail of up to 5 years. This decision was announced after a meeting with the national cabinet on April 30 and will come into effect from May 3.
Australia Bans Its Residents & Citizens Arriving From India
Australia has banned anyone who has been in India within 14 days of their intended arrival date to Australia. The decision was taken as part of strict measures to stop travellers to Australia from India, the world’s second-most populous country in the world, as it fights a massive surge in Covid cases and deaths. Anyone disobeying this rule will have to pay fines and might also face up to 5-years in jail. This is the first time Australia made it a criminal offence for its own citizens to return home. Stranded Australians have criticized this move by the government.
Also Read: US Urges Citizens To Leave India As Soon As Possible Due To Limited Healthcare System
Passengers Might Take A Transit Route Through Qatar Or China
Australia has banned flights from India to reduce the chances of the transport of the infection into the nation. But if someone wants to travel from India to Australia now despite the ban might sneak through the loophole and take a transit flight via Qatar or China. Other countries that have put temporary bans on flights from India include Germany, Italy, Canada, Bangladesh and the UK, among others. Also, Switzerland and France have mandated 10-day quarantine for travellers arriving from India to contain the spread of the virus.
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Australians Trapped In India Plead For Repatriation Amid Flight Ban
When Australia resumes flights from India, travellers will be required to have a negative RT-PCR test report as well as a negative Rapid Antigen test report before taking off. Mr. Morrison has also added that the nation will give priority to vulnerable Australians wanting to return home. Meanwhile, the families of Australians stranded in India are urging the Morrison government to establish a quarantine solution that would allow their loved ones to return home. Some 9,000 Australians in India are waiting for the situation to improve as the airports have essentially closed off any option to leave India.