Highlights
- 224 Indian nationals, OCI cardholders fly home from Sydney as part of phase 2 of repatriation from Australia
- Nearly 8,000 Indians, OCI cardholders registered their interest to return home in phase 2
- Seven more flights will fly out from Sydney and Melbourne in this phase
After months of living alone, newly-enrolled international student, Rajat Gandhi has flown home with aspirations to return ahead of the commencement of his third semester in November.
The 22-year-old who is pursuing a post graduate degree in communications from Sydney’s Macquarie University said he would only return when his university switches to on-campus learning.
“I came to Sydney in February just days before the lockdown was announced. My university had to shutdown the campus and everything went online, which is not why I came here,” said Mr Gandhi.
He added that he was relieved to have been shortlisted in the second phase of repatriation as he was struggling to survive in Sydney.
Rajat Gandhi Source: Supplied
“I can’t see any job opportunities for students in Australia in times to come. I was struggling to survive emotionally and so decided to register my interest to return home. I will come back once the pandemic has subsided,” he said.
As per the data provided by the High Commission, close to 8,000 people, majority of whom were Indian passport holders registered their interest with the Indian missions to return home.
Saurav Talwar Source: Supplied
Perth-based chef Saurav Talwar, a bridging visa holder whose visa was due to expire in a few days was another “lucky” passenger who flew home in the special Air India flight earlier today.
“I work as a chef at a restaurant in Perth and I am relieved that I was shortlisted before my visa expired. It has been a long wait and I am happy that I will be home finally. I plan to return once things return to normal,” said Mr Talwar.
Nearly 1,950 are expected to be repatriated in eight flights- three of which will depart from Sydney and four from Melbourne, as part of phase-II of evacuation from Australia.
Flight schedule for phase 2 of repatriation from Australia Source: Ministry of External Affairs India
This means “endless wait” for close to 6,000 Indians who have not been handpicked for the second phase.
Shivani who is waiting to be shortlisted in this phase said she is scared to even imagine the prospect of being left out of this phase.
“This could very well mean endless wait and months of anxiety for the likes of me if at all I miss out on this phase too. We have no idea if there would be another phase from Australia or when India would open its borders considering the pandemic situation is worsening there,” said Shivani.
Speaking to SBS Punjabi, Deputy High Commissioner, P.S. Karthigeyan clarified that it would not be possible for them to repatriate everyone who has registered with the High Commission.
“Given the capacity and demand, it’s not possible to repatriate every Indian national to India. We are limited to compelling needs only,” he said.
Passengers landing in New Delhi will have to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine split into one week of paid institutional quarantine followed by another week of self-isolation at home.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Find out what restrictions are in place for your state or territory.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at http://www.sbs.com.au/coronavirus
Share
