By Neeraj Nanda
MELBOURNE, 13 May 2021: The flight ban inbound from India to Australia is to be reviewed on 15 May, and likely to be lifted. A glance at the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 – Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic public hearing transcript (Friday, 7 May 2021) in Canberra tells that each flight from India is likely to have 150 people each.
The three flights (Qantas) will land in Howard Springs (NT). Those embarking will then spend quarantine at the by the then expanded facility. It is being expanded to accommodate 2,000 people instead of 800.
Originally eight flights were planned but now only three are likely to take place on 15, 23 and 31 May. Another three flights are planned after the initial 3 flights.
The flights will be fully ticketed (paid off by the passengers) and Australia is only facilitating them.
Globally, the Senate probe transcript says, 34,000 have registered to return home from overseas. India has 9,500 registered to return to Australia. This includes 950 in the ‘vulnerable category.
A report in Guardian Australia quoting the Senate enquiry says there are 135 unaccompanied children who are registered to return from India. India’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Mr Hon Barry O’Farrell AO, told the enquiry that earlier 20 unaccompanied minors were assisted to come back to Australia.
The 46 pages Senate enquiry hearing transcript also reveals there is no plan to vaccinate Australians stuck in India.
