Highlights
- Australia to keep caps on international arrivals until October 24
- No international flights will be landing in Melbourne until October
- Australians stuck in India claim the decision has put a further strain on their limited options to return home
In order to maintain quarantine arrangements across states and territories, the National Cabinet on Friday agreed to retain the stringent restrictions on the number of inbound travellers until at least October 24.
The following caps will apply subject to further advice on quarantine capacity:
- Sydney – limit of 350 passenger arrivals per day
- Perth – limit of 525 passenger arrivals per week
- Brisbane – limit of 500 passenger arrivals per week
- Adelaide – limit of 500 passenger arrivals per week
- Canberra, Darwin – passenger limits on each flight to be discussed with jurisdictions on a case-by-case basis
- Hobart – no international flights
Announcing the decision to retain restrictions that were put in place mid-July, Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week said that the government may alter the capping at some point in the foreseeable future.
“We are not going to put any further strain on the quarantine arrangements around the country and that will remain in place now for some months," he said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House. Source: AAP
The government has also decided to retain the suspension of international flights into Melbourne to ease pressure on resources as Victoria continues to record a high number of new infections and casualties daily.
‘Impossible to return home’
The Morrison government has assured it will support flexibility within the caps as much as possible, to limit the impact of the strict capping on Australian citizens and permanent residents who remain stranded offshore.
But those particularly stuck in India feel disheartened and claim the “assurance is meaningless” for them as there are hundreds of Australian families, including ex-pats who are waiting to return but are unable to do so as there are no flights operating between the two countries.
Australian businessman Saurabh Jolly who has so far endured multiple flight postponements and repeated cancellations points out that even if more flights are announced in the near future, it would take months for all Australians to return home if the caps remained in place.
Australian businessman Saurabh Jolly is stuck with his family in India. Source: Supplied
“Hundreds are here in India. Imagine if they allow only 50 to 100 passengers on each flight, it would take ages for all of us to make it home. Only God can help us out of this situation," he says.
Mr Jolly says the only other way out is to perhaps explore the option of returning on privately-chartered flights.
"But that too isn’t a foolproof plan as many of the travel agencies and operators are asking for deposits in advance, and none of them have the approval to fly into Australia. So clearly, we have no means to fly back,” says the 38-year-old.
India’s national carrier Air India which has so far facilitated the return of hundreds of Australians is due to announce its next phase of repatriation flights.
But it took to Twitter to clarify to Australians seeking an update on flights that while they are working towards increasing operations between the two countries, flights are not getting clearances because of the limits imposed by the Australian government.
SBS Punjabi has reached out to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
'No longer feel like a proud Australian'
Disha Thaker, another Australian citizen who is stuck in the western coast of India says Melburnians who remain offshore have been worst-affected.
“I no longer feel like a proud Australian. I feel tremendously bad and helpless as I may have to stay here for many days and endure double quarantine to make it back home - that is if I manage to secure a flight which in itself is a big challenge,” says the 38-year-old who works as an admin coordinator in the telecom sector.
“The government must step-up for Australians in need who are stranded here with no financial means to support themselves made worse by scenarios where many of us stand to lose our jobs due to prolonged absences.
Australian citizen Disha Thaker remains stranded in India. Source: Supplied
“I am so miffed with the Australian government right now that I would have dropped my plans to return had it not been for my dog, my support system who is stranded alone in Melbourne,” adds Ms Thaker.
Restrictions on outbound travel by Australian citizens and permanent residents also remain in place.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
