The global Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is constantly evolving. We will continue to update our website with information as quickly as possible. Useful links for the latest information and advice is below:  

• For the Australians in India who have not yet registered with the Australian High Commission, please do so at: https://covid19.dfat.gov.au  

• The Indian Government has imposed a lockdown until 31 May.  Some domestic flights resumed on 25 May. International flights remain suspended.  Restrictions may change or be extended at short notice. 

• We know this will have implications for many Australians in India. We have prepared responses to frequently asked questions, including covering existing flight bookings, charter options, visa extensions and tips for the lockdown in India:  https://india.highcommission.gov.au/ndli/1404COVIDFAQs.html.

• The Australian Government acknowledges it will be difficult for you to leave India as a result of the current flight bans and other restrictions. You will need to seek commercial options, once the flight bans are lifted. 
  The Australian High Commission will update its website https://india.highcommission.gov.au/ and send updates on flight options to Australians who have registered when there is any change in this advice or if new airline information becomes available.  

• For any Australians encountering issues with booking hotels in India due to lockdown, please call the Indian Government tourist hotline on 1800 11 1363 available 24/7 in 12 languages, run by the Indian Ministry of Tourism.
• India has suspended all existing visitor visas, including the visa-free travel facility for OCI card holders. Visas for all foreigners currently in India remain valid. To extend your visa apply online through FRRO/FRO.

• Please follow advice from the Indian Government and relevant State and Union Territory Governments. India’s central helpline no. for COVID-19 is +91-11-23978046. Here is a list of helpline numbers for various states and UTs: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf 

• While you are in India, follow the advice of local authorities, minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19 and stay in touch with family and friends so they know you are safe and well.

• The Australian Government advises all Australians: Do not travel overseas at this time. This is the highest advice level. Smartraveller website for more information on COVID-19 for Australian travellers: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
• On 24 March 2020, Prime Minister Morrison announced a ban on Australians travelling overseas under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This is on top of the Australian Government’s standing advice to Australians not to travel overseas. It is effective from midday 25 March 2020.
• The Australian Government has announced that from 21:00hrs on 20 March 2020 only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. Please visit the Visas and Citizenship section for more information.

• Useful resources:
  • Indian Government Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/   
  • Indian Ministry of Tourism website to help foreign tourists in India: http://strandedinindia.com/ 
  • Information on social distancing: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/index.html, https://www.health.gov.au
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) What you need to Know Factsheet  

Consular services (24 hour helpline): +61 2 6261 3305                                           

Call for applications: Australian Alumni Grant Scheme (AAGS) 2020

If you’re an Australian alumnus who dreams of making a difference in your professional field, workplace, or community, the Australian Alumni Grant Scheme (AAGS) 2020 can help. The AAGS offers seed funding on a competitive basis for initiatives that create impact by putting your knowledge and skills to good use. This pilot program provides up to AU$20,000 per grant and up to 5 grants are available this round. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your ideas to life and be the agent of change in your community. The AAGS is open to all Indian nationals (or Australians with a valid Overseas Citizenship of India card) who have graduated from a recognised Australian tertiary institution, including those who are self-funded. It is also open to alumni of short-term studies or programs in Australia.

What is AAGS? Who can apply? What kind of projects and activities do the grants cover? For more information on Grant Funding and Eligibilty, check the Guidelines below.  

India Pilot - Australian Alumni Grant Scheme 2020 - Guidelines [PDF 1MB]
India Pilot - Australian Alumni Grant Scheme 2020 - Guidelines [Word 746KB]

Planned timeline

Submit your applications before 12 April 2020 at this link

Talk to the AAGS Team about your ideas: Tel:  +91 44 459 213 00 or Email: [email protected]