PM Scott Morrison unveiled a four-phase plan for achieving a “COVID normal society” in Australia. He wants the phases to progress as the vaccination rate becomes higher. Currently, Australia is in Phase 1, “vaccinate, prepare and pilot” phase. The government is trying to increase the number of flights to repatriate returning Australian citizens. Returning travellers who have been already vaccinated may be given the opportunity to quarantine at home, with a pilot for this scheme set to go ahead in South Australia. The government will also release a digital vaccination certificate by the end of July, which enables vaccinated people to use vaccination status as an evidence.
In phase 2, the need for lockdown or border closure will be reserved for “Extreme circumstances”. Vaccinated people might be exempt from certain restrictions. Inbound international flights would be supposed to increase and more student and economic visas might be granted based on the vaccination status of applicants.
In Phase 3, there will be no lockdowns even during outbreaks and all vaccinated people in Australia will be exempt from any domestic restrictions. More quarantine-free travel bubbles will be established with countries such as Singapore and the Pacific nations.
Phase four will feature the opening of international borders to all vaccinated visitors, although non-vaccinated travellers will still be required to record a negative test before traveling and upon arrival, and may be required to quarantine for 14 days.
Breaking: National Cabinet has agreed on a four-phase plan to move away from COVID-19 lockdowns but in the short term, Australia's international arrival caps will be halved | @nickbonyhady https://t.co/WREnOtYEMH
— The Sydney Morning Herald (@smh) July 2, 2021
Currently, it’s not yet very detailed and no dates have been set out for the various phases. However, the federal government and state leaders look forward to realizing the plan over the next six months. For more information, visit here.
As mentioned above, it can be expected that the number of inbound visitors except for Australian citizen will increase in Phase 2. In order to progress to this phase, it is required that most people in Australia have already finished vaccination. It is estimated that the aim will be achieved by the end of this year and Phase 2 will be likely to initiate in the first half of 2022, which is within one year. If the number of international students increase in Australia again, many sectors such as hospitality and tourism will be highly demanded and might be in labour shortage. It is said that three international students will lead to one job. In that case, occupations in such industries might be added to Skilled Migration Occupation List. It is critical to gain the latest information regarding visa and immigration and think carefully about what you will study or what occupations you’d like to work for.
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