Skilled migrants, international students and refugees welcomed back to Australia from 1 December

Eligible visa holders will be allowed to travel to Australia without applying for a government exemption from 1 December.

Australia’s international borders will be reopened to eligible visa holders from 1 December after being locked out for almost two years due to the pandemic.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday a range of fully-vaccinated visa holders will no longer be required to secure an exemption to travel into the country.

Those eligible for the rule change will include skilled migrants, international students, humanitarian as well as working holiday maker and provisional family visa holders.

Mr Morrison said their return marked an “important step” forward in Australia’s recovery.

“The return of skilled workers and students to Australia is a major milestone in our pathway back,” he told reporters.

“It’s a major milestone about what Australians have been able to achieve and enable us to do.”

The federal government has estimated 200,000 migrants holding these visas are expected to take up the offer between December and January.

It has been nearly two years since foreign nationals have been able to come to the country without having to secure a government exemption and enter mandatory quarantine.

While Australia’s international borders have been open since the beginning of November, only fully vaccinated citizens, permanent residents and their families have been able to travel to the country without quarantining.

Under the new rules, the visa holders must have received a vaccine approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and provide proof of their vaccination status.

They will also be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test within three days of departure.

The visa holders will have to comply with the quarantine requirements in the state or territory upon their arrival.

Source : https://www.sbs.com.au/news/skilled-migrants-international-students-and-refugees-welcomed-back-to-australia-from-1-december/5b016788-4612-4a0d-8551-0000b0fa1950?fbclid=IwAR0g7lsEy8zgKs7zsJc_OsebjDYRWhDqVxaiNK7V2UPeeY7jAHF1L-cDiTQ