Australia insists strict travel ban on India is not ‘racist’

The Australian government clarified that its decision to impose hefty fines and potential jail term for those returning from India is not a ‘racist’ move.

A Covid-19 patient who is suffering from breathing difficulty breaths with the help of oxygen mask outside Gurudwara. Source: Sipa USA Naveen Sharma / SOPA Images/Sipa

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the government had consulted with the Chief Medical Officer before introducing a fine and five-year jail term for those returning from India. 

Australia’s opposition party and the Indian community have criticised the Australian government’s decision.