Sydney: Australia has banned the return of its citizens and residents from India with offenders facing possible fines and even prison time, government officials have confirmed.

No residents or citizens who have been to India in the 14 days before their return will be allowed into Australia, the emergency notification confirmed on Friday. This is the first time the government has made returning to the country a criminal offense.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed that the restrictions will come into effect on May 3. "The government does not make these decisions lightly," Hunt said.
"However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of Covid-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level."
Human rights groups have voiced indignation at the ban, suggesting the government's focus should be on improving its quarantine system, not on punishment.
The decision has left over 9,000 Australians stranded in India, 650 of whom are registered as vulnerable, officials said. India has crossed 200,000 deaths this week with a particularly virulent wave overwhelming the country and horrifying the world.
The US too has imposed travel restrictions, barring most non-US citizens from entering the country.

Amazon’s new name for the Fire TV Stick 4K only adds more confusion
- 21 minutes ago
NHSP PUNJAB brings provinces together to strengthen data-driven primary healthcare
- 7 hours ago

Magnitude 5.6 quake jolts Islamabad, Swat, surroundings
- 12 hours ago

PM directs coordinated efforts for swift repatriation of Afghan nationals
- 11 hours ago

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first to ‘go up in smoke during a bend test,’ JerryRigEverything says
- 21 minutes ago
Bangladesh parties sign reform charter, but student and leftist group stays away
- 8 hours ago
Pakistan draw match with Australia 3-3 in Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup
- 8 hours ago

PM Shehbaz inaugurates upgraded GARL of Geological Survey
- 9 hours ago

Lions' Branch suspended one game for fight
- 12 hours ago

Ugreen’s 8-port Thunderbolt 4 hub is $80 off
- 22 minutes ago
Meta to give teens' parents more control after criticism over flirty AI chatbots
- 8 hours ago
Trump says 100% tariffs on China not sustainable, still plans to meet Xi
- 9 hours ago