Highlights
- Indian nationals with compelling needs to travel must register with an Indian Mission/Post
- Registrations will close on May 10
- The Indian government is yet to announce a repatriation flight for Indian nationals stranded in Australia
The Indian government has kicked in an ambitious plan to bring back its citizens who are stranded abroad due to the coronavirus outbreak, in what is being billed as the world’s largest evacuation exercise.
Issuing fresh guidelines on Tuesday, the government said only Indian passport holders with compelling needs can return through these repatriation flights and naval ships, which will start departing from their countries of destination from May 7.
Here are top 6 things you must know if you’re an Indian stranded in Australia wanting to travel home:
1. REGISTER BEFORE MAY 10:
All Indian nationals with compelling needs to travel back must register with the High Commission or the Consulate through this.
You may not receive a confirmation after submitting this form which requires you to provide information about your current whereabouts in Australia and your details in India.
A snapshot of the form. Source: Supplied
It also allows you to specify if you have any compelling reasons to travel such as medical conditions or if you need to travel because there's been a death in the family or if you're a student whose hostel or education provider is currently closed, among many other reasons.
In response to SBS Punjabi’s query, the Consulate General of India said all those who have individually contacted the Missions or Posts for assistance also need to register through the link above.
The CGI has, however, clarified that these details are being noted to collect details for planning purposes.
No decision has been taken yet regarding the operation of any flights from Australia to India-Consulate General of India
Registrations will close on May 10.
2. PRIORITY TO PASSENGERS WITH COMPELLING NEEDS:
Priority will be given to people who have compelling needs to travel such as those who require medical attention. Other considerations such as financial hardship and visa status will also be taken into account.
3: ONLY ASYMPTOMATIC PASSENGERS WILL BE ALLOWED:
All passengers will be subjected to a pre-boarding medical screening. Only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board the repatriation flights.
4: PASSENGERS WILL PAY FOR THE FLIGHT TICKETS:
The travellers will have to bear the cost of the flights.
It is imperative to point out that the CGI Melbourne has reiterated that they still have not received any “official confirmation” on any repatriation flights from Australia.
“We will inform the affected Indian nationals here in Australia as soon as we receive official correspondence from the government,” said Raj Kumar, the Consul General of India in Melbourne.
5. MANDATORY QUARANTINE:
Air India aircrafts are seen parked on the tarmac of the international airport in Mumbai. (Representational image). Source: Sattish Bate/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
On arrival, all overseas travellers will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine in hospitals or other facilities which will be designated for the purpose. The passengers will have to pay for these facilities. They will be re-screened for COVID-19 after the completion of quarantine.
6: REGISTER ON AAROGYA-SETU AAP:
Everyone is required to register on the Aarogya-Setu app developed by the Indian government to reach out to and inform the users regarding risks, best practices and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID-19.
Further details will be be made available on the High Commission's website and social media accounts as and when a decision will be made in this regard.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
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