Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is under pressure to overturn rules barring travel from Covid-19 ravaged India, said it was "highly unlikely" travellers would face maximum penalties of five years in jail and a A$66,000 (€42,000) fine.
Australia last week banned all travellers from India, including its own citizens, from entering the country until 15 May due to the surge in Covid-19 cases there, and warned offenders will be prosecuted and penalised.
The temporary restrictions have been excoriated by politicians, expatriates and the Indian diaspora. "I don't think it would be fair to suggest these penalties in their most extreme forms are likely to be placed anywhere, but this is a way to ensure we can prevent the virus coming