After having some of the toughest travel restrictions imposed since March 2020, Australia is set to re-open its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers from Monday 21st February.
Since the later part of 2021, Australian states have slowly started to open borders and lift quarantine and testing requirements for those wanting to travel interstate. While all domestic borders were set to be open by early February, premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan has decided to keep WA shut tight as Australia deals with Omicron.
Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke made headlines in January when he cancelled international tennis star, Novak Djokovic’s visa.
If Covid-19 has taught us anything over the last two years, it’s that nothing is certain. No one could have imagined we would be subjected to a pandemic causing lockdowns, border closures and pretty much a standstill to everyday life. So, will 2022 be any different?
As announced in the 2021/22 budget, migrants granted a relevant permanent or temporary visa may need to wait up to four years to be eligible for Australian welfare payments.
The opening of Australia’s international borders has bought relief to many businesses relying on skilled and unskilled workers. A high demand for these workers has resulted in a labour shortage throughout the country with employers being advised that these shortages could remain for a further 12 months to two years. The news of open borders is a crucial and very welcome step forward for businesses.
In the blink of an eye another Covid-19 variant has reared its ugly head. Omicron, originally detected in South Africa has made its way to Australian shores with cases confirmed in Sydney so far.
As Australians, access to Medicare is something we don’t think about unless we need to access healthcare. Now with proof of vaccination required to partake in most activities we ordinarily take for granted, Medicare has become front and centre of daily living.
With international travel borders open and flights arriving and leaving Australian shores, many changes are coming into effect especially when it comes to visas.
The federal government has announced that from 1st December 2021, travel exemptions will no longer apply for the following visas.
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