Crackdown on people flying into Australia from India

People trying to fly into Australia from India via third countries could be jailed or cop a massive fine.

Australia is set to ban anyone entering the country who has been in India during the previous 14 days.

The move, to be taken under the Biosecurity Act by Health Minister Greg Hunt, is being taken on the advice of the country’s Chief Medical Officer.

Anyone attempting to enter the country in breach of the rules will be risking a fine of up to $66,000 or five years prison.

The harsh penalties are being invoked to stop people coming to Australia from India via third countries such as Singapore or the United Arab Emirates.

The tough new measures will apply to people who have been in India in the past two weeks.

A surge in COVID-19 cases meant this Indian stadium was turned into a makeshift quarantine centre. Picture: Saqib Majeed/Getty Images

But government sources were keen to stress the measure is a temporary one and will be reviewed on May 14.

Last week Australia suspended all flights from India because of the COVID-19 crisis currently engulfing the country.

There are more than 9,000 Australians stuck in India trying to get back to Australia, as well as a number of Indian citizens who are permanent residents here.

The move could come as early as Saturday.

On Friday National Cabinet noted the significant increase in cases in India welcoming Australia’s support package including oxygen concentrators, PPE and oxygen tanks and consumables.

It also expressed solidarity with the Indian community both within Australia and overseas.