'They've forgotten us': Thousands of Australians stranded overseas in the face of government's stringent border controls
No job, no visa, no health care -- and barred from returning home. This powder keg of misfortunes is the current reality for tens of thousands of expats who hold the world's ninth most powerful passport. While situations differ, one point remains the same -- Australians abroad feel abandoned by their government during the coronavirus pandemic.<br/>Sunday marked two months since PM Scott Morrison introduced a cap of just under 4,000 international arrivals per week. He made the move in response to the country's second coronavirus wave, which was sparked by a hotel quarantine security scandal. The cap has resulted in a barrage and backlog of canceled flights, with ticket prices skyrocketing. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) says at least 25,000 Australians, many of who are financially and medically vulnerable, have registered their need to come home since July. However, the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia estimates the true number of those stranded is closer to 100,000.<br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2020-09-15/general/theyve-forgotten-us-thousands-of-australians-stranded-overseas-in-the-face-of-governments-stringent-border-controls
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'They've forgotten us': Thousands of Australians stranded overseas in the face of government's stringent border controls
No job, no visa, no health care -- and barred from returning home. This powder keg of misfortunes is the current reality for tens of thousands of expats who hold the world's ninth most powerful passport. While situations differ, one point remains the same -- Australians abroad feel abandoned by their government during the coronavirus pandemic.<br/>Sunday marked two months since PM Scott Morrison introduced a cap of just under 4,000 international arrivals per week. He made the move in response to the country's second coronavirus wave, which was sparked by a hotel quarantine security scandal. The cap has resulted in a barrage and backlog of canceled flights, with ticket prices skyrocketing. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) says at least 25,000 Australians, many of who are financially and medically vulnerable, have registered their need to come home since July. However, the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia estimates the true number of those stranded is closer to 100,000.<br/>
