Australia closed its international borders in March 2020 to all but citizens and permanent residents. ― Reuters picSYDNEY, May 14 ― The first repatriation flight for Australians from Covid-ravaged India will arrive in the Northern Territory tomorrow after the lifting of a two-week travel ban, officials said.
Canberra banned all travellers from India, including its own citizens, from entering Australia for two weeks until May 15 and said offenders could face jail, drawing criticism from some lawmakers, expatriates and the Indian diaspora. Two further Royal Australian Air Force repatriation flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, and authorities plan to repatriate about 1,000 people by the end of June. Vulnerable people will be given priority.