Nervous wait

New Zealand has put a temporary ban on travellers from India entering the country. Here are some of their stories.

‘Hard to hold back tears’

Two weeks ago, Jatin and his partner were in New Zealand. But they flew to India after his motherin-law had major surgery.

Today, exactly when they will return home is not known and Jatin cannot understand the sudden blanket ban on India.

“When we were seeing close to half a million daily cases in the USA or when the UK strain was initially causing havoc, there were no bans imposed on anyone, let alone citizens returning from those countries.”

The couple were due to return on April 19.

“This is so un-New Zealand like. The motto of ‘be kind’ has gone out the window. We will find it hard to hold back tears tonight.”

An anxious wait

Samir Parekh travelled to India to see his ailing mother just before she died.

He was due to come back to New Zealand in just over a week. Now, he and his family back in New Zealand are worried.

“I am quite stressed sitting in India. I have called up MIQ’s contact centre and they have no information at all.

“It is ridiculous to impose a travel ban without organising the next steps for Kiwis who were to travel during this period. They are not sure whether they will have the tools implemented in the 14 days available.”

Flight to nowhere

Anuj Kumar was to board a flight back to New Zealand early tomorrow — the day Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says a blanket ban from India will begin.

“I have almost done my packing, but now I am worried because I have not got any email from MIQ about how they manage my isolation voucher or if they will issue a new voucher . . .”

He is a New Zealand citizen, but can wait in India if need be. However, he would just like to know exactly what will happen if he gets on the plane tomorrow.