After having some of the toughest travel restrictions imposed since March 2020, Australia is set to re-open its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers from Monday 21st February.
Visa Solutions Australia puts out a quarterly newsletter addressing the latest visa, immigration, and border news, among a host of other topics. This issue focuses on COVID-19 requirements, travel exemption, and employer options during the pandemic.
Lockdowns impact various aspects of business. Regardless of industry, non-essential businesses had to close their doors during stage 4 lockdowns. Restaurants and cafes could only offer takeaway and delivery service and non-essential retailers were restricted to providing online shopping only.
Western Australia has one of the strictest border closures in Australia. While travel within the regions of Western Australia is permitted, interstate travel is a little more problematic.
Only those considered to be exempt travellers can enter Western Australia subject to terms and conditions, including a requirement to quarantine for 14 days. A G2G Pass allows travellers to enter Western Australia with more ease.
More the 5 million people have become Australian citizens since 1949 with a record 249,000 people granted citizenship in the 2019/2020 period. Even during the pandemic, more than 84,000 people across Australia received citizenship through online ceremonies.
We all know the impact that Covid-19 has had on Australia and countries around the world in terms of health and economically. With lockdowns ending in various parts of the world, some countries are slowly beginning to open their borders to tourism with visitors from low risk countries gaining entry.
The Federal Government’s easing of restrictions has been a source of joy for many. While Scott Morrison outlined the general plan, it has been at the discretion of each state premier to determine what restrictions can be eased in their state. In some cases, state borders have been closed which has presented a new set of challenges whether for local residents or those interstate.
The path to permanent residency isn’t always an easy one, but there is no greater joy than receiving the phone call announcing your permanent residency has been approved. For Craig Stickling, his wife Geraldine, and their two children that joyous phone call came earlier this week.
Australia Day is often a day of coming together with friends and family and enjoying the things that make Australia unique. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what we value as Australians.
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