Australian citizens in virus-stricken India could face hefty fines up to $66,000 and even jail time if they try to return home. 9News
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt this morning confirmed aThe penalties are being invoked under the Biosecurity Act to stop people coming here from India via other countries such as Singapore or the United Arab Emirates.Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed Australian citizens in virus-stricken India could face hefty fines up to $66,000 and even jail time if they try to return home."The pause will come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, May 3, 2021," he said.
"Failure to comply with an emergency determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may incur a civil penalty of 300 penalty units, five years' imprisonment, or both." "The government does not make these decisions lightly. 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."The Federal Government is worried that arrivals from India are putting Australia's strict quarantine system at risk.
With over 9000 Australians in India, the Federal Government has indicated they will restart repatriation flights as soon as they can, but with coronavirus rampant in India, that could be months away.
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