From March 2020 the Australian Government had closed the borders to all but Australian Citizens, Permanent Visa holders and their immediate family members such as spouses and children.
The definition of the immediate family was extended to Parents of Australia Citizens and Permanent Visa holders in November 2021.
A recent announcement in late November by the Australian prime minister set out the plan to scrap the need for an exemption for certain visa holders. This was set to happen on the 1st of December, however the plan was then subsequently delayed until the 15th of December 2021.
The Visa types that were due to be included in the scrapping of the need for an exemption were:
- International students
- Skilled migrants
- Refugee/humanitarian, and
- Temporary and provisional family visa holders
This includes Categories of partner visas such as the Prospective Marriage Visa and the Temporary Business Visas such as the 482 visa. 489 and 491 Regional Visa Holders will also be included in this group. The full list of eligible visa classes can be found here: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/vaccinated-travellers#toc-7
All travellers must be fully vaccinated.
This is certainly a very good sign that the Australian Government are looking to open up the borders again to let in people from different countries and not just Australian Citizens or permanent residents.
When this will happen now, we will have to wait and see as recently Western Australia has now said that they are close to getting to the level of 805 vaccination, which should be reached in February. This is a good sign that the Borders may well be open for general tourism in March 2022.
With the opening of the borders there will then be the ability to then concentrate on bringing in a number of Skilled workers to fill the gaps that have emerged because of the Pandemic.
As always the construction industry is likely to see a boom so Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters and joiners as well as tilers, roofers and other such trades are likely to be in strong demand.
With this in mind you may wish to start the process of Migration to Australia with us or at least the first part of the process which is the skills assessment. By doing this you will be in a better position to apply for the various offshore permanent or temporary to Permanent visas once the migration program full re-opens.
Our contact details are Emigrate to Australia at Taylor Hampton Solicitors. Call us on 0207 427 5290 or email us: [email protected]
