Travel restrictions for entering & departing Australia extended for another 3 months
On 3 March 2020, the Federal Minister for Health & Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, extended the current travel restrictions entering and departing Australia until 17 June 2021.
So, what does this mean?
This means that Australian citizens or permanent residents may not depart Australia unless an outbound travel exemption is granted.
This also means that foreign nationals who hold temporary residence visas may not enter Australia unless an inbound travel exemption is granted.
You may find out more about the exemptions to the travel restrictions.
Exercising the provisions under the Biosecurity Act (Cth) 2015 the minister, in consultation with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer (CMO), declared that the human biosecurity emergency period which has been in place since 17 March 2020 is required to ensure the emergence of more highly transmissible variants of the coronavirus from overseas entering Australia is appropriately managed.
The extension of the international travel ban will require continued:
- pre-departure testing and mask-wearing for international flights;
- restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels within Australian territory;
- restrictions on outbound international travel for Australians; and
- restrictions on the trade of retail outlets at international airports.
The minister advised that these emergency powers that have been used on a limited basis on expert medical advice from the AHPPC and CMO may be amended or repealed in future if no longer necessary.
If you have any questions about the above, please contact our Migration Agent, Jules Pedrosa.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in these blog articles is general in nature and is not intended to substitute for professional advice. If you are unsure about how this information applies to your specific situation we recommend you contact Employment Innovations for advice.