The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything and affected every immigration process and the way things we used to be. Anyone who is thinking of traveling to Australia for whatever purposes, must read and absorb the following:
Is traveling to Australia “business as usual”?
Unfortunately not. As of 20 March 2020 you can only travel to Australia if you are either;
(a) An Australian citizen;
(b) An Australian permanent resident;
(c) A New Zealand citizen usually residing in Australia; and
(d) An immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia
Who can be considered immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents?
For this category, an immediate family member only refers to: Spouses, dependent children, and legal guardians.
Am I required to go through a quarantine process when arrived in Australia?
The Australian Government has directed that from 28 March 2020, all travelers entering Australia are required to undertake their mandatory 14-day self-isolation at designated facilities. These facilities will be determined by each state and territory and maybe hotels.
Can I interact with my family in Australia after I arrived?
No. As long as the above restriction is in place, when you set your foot in Australia you must not attempt to join your family or friends who may be coming to receive you. You need to do your 14-day self-isolation process first and if during the 14-day self-isolation you come to contact with any family or friend, that individual will also have to complete 14 days of quarantine.
Am I able to travel from Australia to overseas?
If you are Australian citizens and Australian permanent resident you are restricted from traveling to Australia overseas from 25 March 2020, unless you fall within the exemption categories as follows: The list is not exhaustive:
(a) You are ordinarily a resident of another country other than Australia;
(b) You work with an airline, or you are a maritime crew, or you are associated with safety workers;
(c) You are a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa. However, if you are a New Zealand citizen who is a permanent resident in Australia you may apply for a Commissioner’s discretion.
(d) You are someone who is engaged in the day to day conduct of outbound or inbound freight;
(e) You are someone whose travel is associated with essential work at offshore facilities; and
(f) You are traveling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.
How do I apply for the exemption to travel from Australia?
You can apply online to the Commissioner of the ABF preferably at least 12 hours before your intended departure time. If you are granted an exemption, you must take evidence of that
exemption to the airport.
What are the subclasses visa holders who can come to Australia and are they still required to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine?
Partner (subclasses 100, 309, 801, 820) and Child (subclasses 101, 102, 445) visa holders can come to Australia without having to request an exemption., however, they will be required to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities such as a hotel in their port of arrival.
What subclass visa holders can’t come to Australia at the moment?
Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders.
Article Source: Traveling to Australia? It Pays To Read This!!
