Australia Opening Border to Foreign Students and Skilled Workers From Dec 1, Bring Smiles for Many

Since the Wuhan Virus Pandemic has begun in the early 2020s, Australia has lockdown their borders on the world. Australia is among those few countries that have been affected less as compared to other countries of the world. Imposing lockdown and following strict COVID 19 guidelines is one of the reasons for a less number of COVID 19 cases in Australia.

Now as the Wuhan COVID 19 virus pandemic effects are reducing around the world, Australian Immigration swings into action. The recent frequent announcements and travelling ease by the Australia Immigration have proved that. In the hierarchy, on 22 December 2021, the Australian government has declared one of the best news of the year. As per the statement of Prime Minister Scott Morrison from 1 DECEMBER 2021, fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residency holders, and some of the eligible visa holders can travel from and to Australia without applying for a travel exemption. The significant move has brought relaxation among, international students, who wish to fly in summer, skilled migrants and tourists/travellers.

Fully Vaccination Criteria Set by Australia Immigration

If you are fully vaccinated and have the relevant documents then Australia Immigration won’t be a hassle for you. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) department has published the approved or recognized vaccine list for travellers.

• Additionally, it is also legitimate if any candidate may have mixed doses of two vaccines.
• However, the doses at least have a gap of 14 days, as well as the full vaccination, has been completed at least 7 days before travelling. Here is the list of the approved vaccination to travel to Australia.
  • AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
  • AstraZeneca Covishield
  • Bharat Biotech Covaxin
  • Moderna Spikevax
  • Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
  • Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18-60-year-olds).
  • Sinovac Coronavac
  • OR one dose of:
    • Johnson & Johnson (Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine)

Country-wise the vaccination schedule may differ. If any candidates have not been vaccinated as per the Australian government’s schedule then they do not meet the Australia Immigration and TGA definition of full vaccination. However, some exceptions have been declared by the department, which is as per below.

Exceptions for the Vaccination Declared by the Australia Immigration and TGA

• If any travellers may not be vaccinated due to medical reasons then they must need to prove themselves with valid documents. However, the travellers may have to be quarantined after reaching Australia. Each state has their criteria of quarantine so check the criteria before travel.
• Children under the age of 12 have also been considered under the same travel arrangement category
• Not vaccinated or partially vaccinated children between the ages of 12 to 17 years can travel with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
• If children are travelling with unvaccinated parents or guardians then the whole family will also need to be quarantined.

Proof of Vaccination

As per the guideline of Australia Immigration and TGA, these proofs are mandatory to show the airline staff while travelling to Australia or from Australia.

• Travellers who have been vaccinated from overseas, need to have the vaccination certification as per these criteria.
  • The vaccination certificate must be issued by the national or state/provincial authorities
  • Must be written in English or must have a certified translation copy
  • The certificate must have
    • Name as per the passport or
    • Date of birth as per the passport
    • Vaccination brand name
    • The date of each dose
  • The certificate will be valid in both forms – paper printout or digital copy
• The traveller who have been vaccinated from Australia
  • They need to show the international COVID – 19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC).
  • The certificate will be valid in both forms – paper printout or digital copy

Eligible Visa Subclasses

With the announcement, the Australia immigration department has also declared the eligible visa subclass list. Only those candidates, who are holding this visa can only travel to Australia without applying for a travel exemption.

Conclusion

In the nutshell, the Australian government and Australia Immigration has speculated that the target of 90% population (over 16 years) will be fully vaccinated before the end of the year. Whereas, with the support of the health department and the health workers until now, almost 85% of the population has been vaccinated. As a result, the announcement of opening the borders have come into the picture. On the other end, as per the Federal Treasurer and deputy leader of the Liberal Party Mr. Josh Frydenberg, reopening the borders for nearly 200,000 visa holders would be proven the booster dose for the Australian economy.