When Meenakshi Sharma touched down in Sydney on March 13, she had a well thought out plan to stay for a week in which she would quickly wrap her life in Australia.
She thought she would hastily resign from her job as an admin officer in a hospital, sell her furniture, collect the cash and return to India for good to raise her child at her parents’ home in the northern state of Punjab.
Highlights:
- Australian single mum pleads with the Indian government to ease border restrictions
- Ms Sharma claims her 18-month-old child is ill and needs medical attention
- The Australian government has banned its citizens from travelling abroad
But the 28-year-old single mother says the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent border restrictions ruined her plans, prolonging her union with her child who is now in the care of her aged mother, who is struggling to manage him alone.
“When I came to Sydney, I thought I would just make a quick visit, wrap up everything and return to Chandigarh on the next flight,” says Ms Sharma.
Meenakshi Sharma used to work as an admin officer at a hospital in Sydney. Source: Supplied
But little did she know that a flying visit would turn into her “worst nightmare.”
I would have never travelled had I known that India would shut down its borders. There seems to be no one who is available to listen to my problem. My mother has underlying health conditions, she has cataract and arthritis.
Meenakshi Sharma with her mother. Source: Supplied
“I had left my child with my mother only for a few days. Now it has been nearly two months and we still have no idea when I would be able to return. The uncertainty is killing me,” adds Ms Sharma who broke down twice during the interview.
"My baby is unwell. He has G6PD deficiency, a condition which requires them to avoid certain food and drugs. And my mum who has her own medical problems does not know how to attend to him," she says.
The Australian government has banned its citizens and permanent residents from travelling abroad, there is, however, a provision to request approval to travel overseas if they can demonstrate a “compelling reason.”
While Ms Sharma has received a grant to travel to India from the Department of Home Affairs, migration lawyer Kamaldeep Singh says “it clearly isn’t enough.”
Meenakshi Sharma has received special permission to travel to India for "compelling reasons." Source: Supplied
“Ms Sharma may need special permission from the Indian government to travel and even if she gets that, she still cannot travel unless India decides to open its borders and when they would do that, remains to be seen,” says Mr Singh.
Ms Sharma is not the only one who is anxious to return to India and is feeling extreme strain amid an uncertain pathway back home.
Prashant Pandey (L) with his wife and parents. Source: Supplied by Mr Pandey
There are at least 1,000 Indian nationals, a majority of whom are tourists, students and families of Australian citizens and residents who are “desperate” to make it home and are pleading with the Indian government to send repatriation flights.
Melbourne-based Prashant Pandey who is representing the 'Let's go back home' group says, if the Indian government cannot evacuate us all, they should at least help the likes of Ms Sharma and those on visitor visas on a "priority basis."
"The situation is getting worse for Indians who are stranded here with every passing day. At least help a few of us on priority, for instance, the elders running out of medicines, visitors who are facing financial hardship and perhaps parents anxious to reunite with their children," says Mr Pandey.
He adds that while the consulate has been in regular touch with the group, they are awaiting a formidable response.
"Both the Australian government and the Indian consulate has pledged their support. We understand that the Indian government is weighing in the risk, but we are all ready to cooperate with them. But just please send us the flights," he adds.
So far, the Indian consulate in Australia maintains that no repatriation or charter flights are being processed at the High Commission of India or Consulates of India in Australia.
SBS Punjabi has contacted the consulate for comment.
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