Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed on Monday that Australia’s international borders will reopen on Wednesday as planned to qualified visa holders, including international students and skilled migrants.
When asked about the schedule, Hunt said that the reopening was “on track,” noting that it will take place after consultation with the prime minister, a National Cabinet meeting, and advice from the chief medical officer.
Key Takeaways:
- On Dec. 15, as scheduled, Australia’s international borders will reopen to qualified visa holders, such as international students and skilled migrants.
- Greg Hunt, the Minister of Health, confirmed the decision on Monday.
- The decision to reopen international borders has been made as the Omicron COVID-19 variant develops.
As the omicron COVID-19 variant develops, the decision to reopen international borders has been made.
Due to concerns regarding the Omicron strain, the federal government said on Nov. 29 that the reopening for international students and skilled migrants would be postponed for two weeks, from Dec. 1 to 15.
The judgment caused additional delays for many visa holders who had been unable to enter Australia for nearly two years due to international border restrictions.
International skilled and student visa holders, as well as humanitarian, working holiday, and provisional family visa holders, are expected to be able to cross the border starting on Dec. 15.
Fully vaccinated visa holders would no longer need to obtain an exemption to enter the country as a result of the relaxation of restrictions.
Travelers from Japan and South Korea will benefit from the reopening, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a press conference with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during his diplomatic visit to Canberra.
While Australia’s international borders have remained open since Nov. 1, only fully vaccinated citizens, permanent residents, and their families have been allowed to enter without being quarantined.
To enter the country, visa holders must have a vaccine that has been approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Within three days before departure, they must additionally present a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
The expected reopening comes as health officials continue to analyze the omicron variant’s transmissibility and severity.
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