Australia to finally open borders from December 1 (Picture: Al Jalzeera)

After being closed for over two years due to the pandemic, Australia’s international borders will reopen to qualified visa holders on December 1st.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister stated a list of eligible visa holders who will no longer need a travel exemption to come to Australia. The list includes Skilled migrants, international students, humanitarians, working holidaymakers, and provisional family visa holders.

Business groups and some states have also been urging a dramatic increase in migration in order to fill critical skills shortages and support the nation’s economy.

The changes follow ongoing advocacy from visa holders about the personal cost of being unable to enter Australia since the border closure was imposed in March last year. With around 200,000 cases and 1,948 deaths, Australia’s coronavirus numbers were significantly lower than many other comparable countries, thanks to border rules, quick lockdowns, and strict social distancing rules.

Approximately 130,000 international students are currently studying outside of Australia, and they are expected to return for the start of the 2022 academic year.

The treasurer of Australia mentioned that international students were worth some $40 billion to the Australian economy, and that there are skilled workers and students who can play a major part in rebuilding the economy.

These changes will guarantee safety of Australia’s health while reuniting families and securing a path to economic recovery by opening borders to skilled and student visa holders, in line with the National Plan to safely reopen Australia.

Upon travelling to Australia, travelers must:

  • Be fully immunized with a full dose of a TGA-approved or recognized vaccine.
  • Possess a current Australian visa
  • They must show documentation of their immunization status.
  • Present a COVID-19 PCR test that was negative within three days of your departure.