Australian students and workers oppose government ban on citizens returning from India The Liberal-National Coalition government announced last Friday that all Australian citizens trapped in India, where the COVID-19 pandemic is raging out of control, are forbidden from returning to Australia until at least May 15, under the threat of criminal action including imprisonment and massive fines. The blatantly anti-democratic and callous declaration has provoked widespread opposition. There is grave concern, not only for the thousands of Australian citizens stranded overseas, but also over the deadly situation facing the Indian population, including many thousands with relatives in Australia. Members of the Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality have spoken to students and workers about the blockade and the broader crisis in India.