A group of visitor visa holders stranded in Australia amid coronavirus travel restrictions claim they have been “abandoned” by both the countries they came to visit as well as their own.
It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison responded to a question on the plight of international students during the crisis. He then went on to talk about international visitors.
"We still have quite a number of people who are here on visitor visas," he said.
"As much as it is lovely to have visitors to Australia in good times, at times like this if you're a visitor in this country, it is time, as it has been now for some while - and I know many visitors have - to make your way home and to ensure that you can receive the supports that are available where they in your home countries.
"At this time, Australia must focus on its citizens and its residents to ensure we can maximise the economic supports that we have."
Highlights:
- Prime Minister tells visitors to 'make their way home'
- Indian visitors stranded in Australia claim "there are no flights operating between India and Australia"
- Visitors urge the governments of the two countries to arrange repatriation flights
Sameer Agarwal, a tourist from India who is trapped in a hotel in Sydney along with his two siblings says his question to the Australian government is a simple one - ‘How sir?’
“There are no flights available to India until April 14," says the 24-year-old law student from New Delhi.
"The airlines that are in fact now accepting bookings are saying, we can’t guarantee if the flights would take off, but just book the tickets.
He adds that “We are in fact desperate to return to our home country, but just guide us how can we in these uncertain circumstances,” says Mr Aggarwal.
Gaurav Kaulgud with his parents. Source: Supplied
He says they are “anguished by the whole situation.”
“How I wish the Australian government was half as generous towards the visitors and international students as much as it is towards its citizens and residents.”
It is unbelievable. It is fast turning into ‘Your problem is just your problem'
“The Australian government is doing a great job in protecting its own people, but what we expect is an ounce of generosity towards those who are stuck here because of a pandemic and not because of their own fault,” says Mr Kaulgud.
Shantanu Kajale who is stranded in Sydney alongside his parents says he is “disappointed” in both the Australian and the Indian governments.
Shantanu Kajale with his parents. Source: Supplied
“My question to them is, you are pushing us to return to our home country, but there is no means to return.
“The Indian government is not showing any keenness to airlift us from here. The commercial airlines that are currently taking bookings from Australia from next month onwards are writing a disclaimer, that we don’t know if we would be even allowed to land,” says Mr Kajale.
India is currently under a nationwide lockdown until April 14, which means no commercial international flight can land in the country until the ban is lifted.
Earlier this week, the Indian High Commission in Canberra clarified that there were no repatriation flights being planned as of now, leaving hundreds of Indians in Australia to the mercy of commercial flights.
Gaganpreet Singh, who came to visit his sister in Adelaide says a few commercial airlines are accepting bookings, but they are beyond his affordability.
“They are selling tickets for $2 to 3,000 dollars. It’s a complete rip-off. Now even if I want to return to India, I cannot, because I or my family cannot afford to spend this much amount on travel,” says the 26-year-old business student from Punjab in northern India.
"We urge the governments of India and Australia to please arrange repatriation flights so we can return to our families," adds Mr Singh.
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas, you should call to seek medical attention.
If you don’t have symptoms but you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should also call to seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, call your doctor, don’t visit. Or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
