The recent budget has revealed temporary and permanent migrants are expected to begin gradually returning from half-way through 2022, except for some international students who are expected to return later in 2021.
“The rate of international arrivals will continue to be constrained by state and territory quarantine caps over 2021 and the first half of 2022, with the exception of passengers from Safe Travel Zones,” the budget papers said. Hence the travel restrictions will continue.
Exempt Categories
The below categories will be automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption):
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident of Australia
- an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident*
- a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia and their immediate family members
- a person who has been in New Zealand or Australia for 14 days or more immediately prior to arrival by air in Australia
- a diplomat accredited to Australia, including their immediate family members (each member of the family unit must hold a valid subclass 995 visa)
- a person transiting Australia for 72 hours or less
- airline crew, maritime crew including marine pilots
- a person recruited under the Government approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme
- a person who holds a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa.
* If you are an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident but do not hold a valid visa you will need to show documents in prove of your relationship.
Individual Exemptions
Individuals can apply for a travel exemption through the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force if fit one of the bellow categories:
- a foreign national travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response
- a foreign national whose entry into Australia would be in the national interest, supported by the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority
- providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies
- a foreign national with critical skills or working in a critical sector in Australia
- a foreign national sponsored by your employer to work in Australia in an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
- military personnel, including those who form part of the Status of Forces Agreement, Commonwealth Armed Forces, Asia Pacific Forces and Status of Armed Forces Agreement
- a person who resides on a vessel that seeks safe port at the closest appointed port for reprovisioning or safety reasons for a limited duration, supported by the relevant State or Territory government where safe haven is sought
- a student completing year 11 and 12, with endorsement from the federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) and; support from the relevant Australian State or Territory government health authority and education department. Further information regarding this process can be found at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.
- a student in your final two years of study of a medical, dental, nursing or allied health profession university degree, where you have evidence of a confirmed placement in an Australian hospital or medical practice which begins within the next two months.
- travelling for compassionate and compelling reasons.
There might be health requirements such as a requirement for vaccination or mandatory quarantine.
There are other categories such as temporary visa and bridging visa B holders who are stuck outside with no solutions so far. These cases are assessed on case by case basis. Stay in touch with us on social media for updates on borders closure and re-openings.
