Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that from February 21, Australia’s international border would reopen to ALL visa holders who are “fully vaccinated” with an approved vaccine.
What to Expect
- It is still being considered whether the term “fully vaccinated” will be replaced with “up to date with vaccinations,” which could mean that booster shots are needed when considering whether a person is “up to date “or not.
- Unvaccinated travelers will need to apply for a travel exemption to be permitted to travel to Australia and will have to undergo a 14-day hotel quarantine at their own expense.
- All international travelers must comply with the quarantine/self-isolation and post-arrival testing requirement in the State or Territory of arrival. These restrictions may change at short notice. For further information, please see www.australia.gov.au/states.
Additional Changes for Working Holiday Makers and Student Visa Holders
- From January 19, 2022, Working Holiday Maker visa holders can also work for more than 6 months with one employer, in any sector, anywhere in Australia. Those who arrive before April 19, 2022, can apply for a refund of the visa application charge (VAC). For more information, see Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program – Latest news.
- In response to labor shortages, as of January 19, work restrictions imposed on Student visa holders will not be enforced. This means that Student visa holders may work for more than 40 hours per fortnight. This applies to all current students as well as new student arrivals who want to begin working before their courses begin. Student visa holders who arrive in Australia between January 19 and March 19, 2022, can apply for a refund of the visa application charge. The easing of work restrictions will be reviewed in April 2022. For more information see Temporary changes to visa work conditions for Students and Working Holiday Makers.
Australia has maintained one of the most closed border policies throughout the pandemic, after first closing its borders in March 2020 to everyone except Australian citizens and residents. However, in 2021, the Australian government began to ease border restrictions, first within the New Zealand travel bubble and later allowing tourists from Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, and some visa holders.
Erickson Insights
The announcement from the Government of Australia is welcomed news across a variety of sectors, including tourism. Still, the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving, and guidance from government agencies and health advisories change often. Travelers should review local guidance as part of planning for their trip.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.