Alan Tudge today acknowledged the plight of thousands of Indian students, visitors and other temporary visa holders unable to return to their home country, owing to border restrictions here in Australia and a nationwide lockdown back in India.
Addressing the multicultural media on Wednesday, Mr Tudge said the government is “keeping a close eye” on the rapidly evolving situation.
Highlights:
- Thousands of Indian students and visitors are unable to fly back home due to lockdown in India
- Minister Alan Tudge said the government is keeping a "close watch" on the situation in India
- "The message for visitor visa holders was to go home if you're unable to support yourself," reiterated Mr Tudge
“India is one of the cases where we know the Modi government has completely closed down all the international airports. Now it was scheduled to reopen this week, but it made the decision to extend the closure of those int airports for another few weeks,” he said.
“So, we just have to keep a watching eye on that. Nepal is in a similar situation at the moment and we have large numbers of people in Australia from those two countries. So, we are keeping a close eye on that and we are looking at the data.”
Last week the Australian government asked all international students to fall back on their superannuation contributions if they had been in the country for over 12 months.
To all others, the government said they must fend for themselves and encouraged them to rely on family support, part-time work where available and their own savings.
Reiterating its stand, authorities also reminded international students of the declaration they make at the beginning of their study of having sufficient resources to be able to support themselves. The authorities are now asking them to utilise those resources.
Indian student Jashmeet Singh says he is closely following developments in the news in the hope that the government would announce a stimulus package for the likes of him, but says he is left “disappointed, every single time.”
“I was hoping that today they would announce some sort of financial aid for international students, but nothing has happened so far. We have been left in the lurch with no support whatsoever.
“Please understand that we want to return home to India, but that too isn’t possible. So at least be considerate and support us until we can go home,” he said.
But international students are not the only ones caught in the crosshairs over border restrictions.
Preethi Ramashetty with her daughter. Source: Supplied
"A matter of urgency"
Hundreds of tourists from India are also trapped in hotel rooms and apartments across the country, many of whom are struggling to get their visas extended.
To all those, Minister Tudge said tourists whose visas are running out must get in touch with the Immigration Department “as a matter of urgency.”
“We know when people’s visas are due to expire and as I said for those tourists who are here whose visas are due to expire and are concerned that they cannot go back home then they must contact the Immigration Department as a matter of urgency.”
One such Indian tourist, Preethi Ramashetty, has been stuck in a hotel room in Sydney for nearly a month.
The problem, she says, is not so much about getting her stay extended but is largely about the “lack of funds.”
The 40-year-old who came for a short visit to the country along with her husband and their 13-year-old daughter said they are fast running out of survival options.
“We are ready to do anything to return home. We are paying $130 every single day for a tiny hotel room. If this goes on for a few more days, we might have to live on the mercy of others to help us pay for our daily expenses.
“Please help us. Someone, please reach out to the Indian government to send mercy flights at least do it for those who are struggling like us,” said Ms Ramashetty.
Currently, only Australian citizens, permanent residents or their immediate family members or guardians can enter the country. Borders are closed for all temporary visa holders.
Mr Tudge said: “Unfortunately the case at the moment is that our borders are closed down and those borders are closed for a very good reason and that’s because the vast majority of the coronavirus infections are coming from people who are travelling back into Australia.”
He added that he understands that the situation is “difficult” for all those temporary visa holders who are currently stuck offshore.
“I understand that it is very difficult, but they will know that they are back in their home country and hopefully they have their support there,” said Mr Tudge.
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.
