On 15 March 2020 the Australian Government announced further travel restrictions and immigration measures as a result of the health threat of the coronavirus.
The Australian Government announced that all travellers to Australia will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Furthermore, cruise liners from foreign ports will be banned from arriving at Australian ports for 30 days.
Travel restrictions will continue to apply to foreign travellers (excluding Australian permanent residents) arriving from any part of mainland China, Iran, Republic of Korea and Italy.
Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left China, Iran, the Republic of Korea or Italy.
Who Is Subject to the Travel Ban?
Foreign nationals (not permanent residents or citizens of Australia) are not permitted to travel to Australia at this time if they are or have been in the following countries during the relevant period:
- mainland China since 1 February 2020
- Iran on or after 1 March 2020
- Republic of Korea on or after 5 March 2020
- Italy on or after 11 March 2020
- Limited exemptions exist for:
- Australian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents including spouses, minor dependants and legal guardians
- Airline and maritime crew, where they have taken appropriate precautionary measures
- a New Zealand citizen resident in Australia
- an accredited diplomat
Special Arrangements for Supermarket Workers
To keep up with demand for re-stocking shelves in supermarkets, the Government has announced Australia’s major supermarkets will temporarily be able to offer more hours to international student employees to help keep shelves stocked. International students currently employed at the major supermarkets will be able to extend their working hours to help meet high demand for essential items because of the coronavirus.
Ordinarily international students are subject to condition 8105 which allows a maximum 40 hours a fortnight during term.
Leniency for Regional & State Nomination Applicants
Some States and Territories have announced that they will relax their residence criteria for nomination for applicants who are unable to return to their residence in Australia or maintain continuous employment where they are delayed due to a Covid-19 travel ban.
This includes applicants for state nominated 190 State Nominated visas and 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa.
Please contact Nevett Ford Lawyers today for more information and advice.