News
Australia signs off plan to repatriate citizens stranded in India
The Australian Cabinet’s National Security Committee has signed off on a plan to begin repatriating Australians stranded in India.
The plan will commence as soon as the temporary ban is lifted next week.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to announce the details tomorrow, AEST time.
It is estimated that 9,000 Australians are stuck in India, where the country is facing catastrophic scenes as it battles Covid crisis.
According to Australian Broadcasting Company, the first repatriation flight will leave Australia for India almost as soon as the ban is lifted on May 15 and will have the capacity to bring home around 200 passengers.
All Australians returning from India will quarantine at the Howard Springs facility outside Darwin in the country’s Northern Territory.
India’s health system is buckling under soaring case numbers.
MORE ON THE COVID CRISIS IN INDIA