Australia To Start Repatriation Flights From India In Mid-May

Australian authorities last week banned all travellers from India, including its own citizens, from entering the country due to the surge in COVID-19 cases there, and warned offenders could be prosecuted and penalised.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday that citizens stranded in COVID-ravaged India should be able to start returning home from May 15 after repatriation flights resume. Australian authorities last week banned all travellers from India, including its own citizens, from entering the country due to the surge in COVID-19 cases there, and warned offenders could be prosecuted and penalised. The policy drew heavy criticism from lawmakers, expatriates and the Indian diaspora.