Australian Government Reverses "Prison for Returnees from India" Policy, Yet Confirms "NO" Positive Cases

On the 15th (local time), a Qantas Airways passenger plane departing from India arrived at Darwin International Airport in the Northern Territory of Australia, carrying 80 passengers.
[Photo by BBC]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] The Australian government initially blocked the return of its citizens and permanent residents staying in India to prevent the influx amid a severe COVID-19 outbreak there. However, after facing growing criticism that it had "abandoned its people," the government reversed its decision. Subsequently, on the 15th (local time), the first repatriation flight from India arrived in Australia, BBC reported.

According to the report, on that day, a Qantas Airways passenger plane departing from India arrived at Darwin International Airport in the Northern Territory, carrying 80 passengers. Originally, 150 passengers were scheduled to board the flight, but 70 others tested positive for COVID-19 in pre-flight tests mandated by Australian regulations and were ultimately unable to board the plane.

As a result, some pointed out that Australia's strict regulation requiring submission of a negative COVID-19 test certificate before boarding prevented others wishing to return from booking flights.

Josh Frydenberg, Australia's Treasurer, stated that more citizens would be able to return through another repatriation flight scheduled within this month. He told local reporters, "We (the government) are following the medical advice of health experts and are working to protect Australian citizens domestically," adding, "We must maintain the health situation because we understand how much damage the COVID-19 outbreak can cause to the lives and livelihoods of Australians."

He further added that at least 9,500 Australian citizens wish to return from India, and the Australian commission is working to assist them.

Meanwhile, on the 3rd, the Australian government announced a temporary ban on the return of its citizens residing in India to block the influx amid the severe COVID-19 outbreak there. The government prohibited the return of Australian nationals and permanent residents who were staying in India or had stayed there within the past 14 days, warning that violators would face fines or imprisonment of up to five years.

In this context, some criticized the government's entry ban as a "discriminatory measure." At the time, a representative from the human rights organization Human Rights Watch called it a "ridiculous measure," criticizing, "Instead of sending Australians returning from India to prison or punishing them harshly, a safe quarantine method should be found." As criticism intensified, the Australian government reversed its policy and allowed its citizens to return.