Australia announces travel ban on all non-citizens and non-residents
Just after 4:00pm AEST this afternoon, the Australian Government announced that Australia would be banning the arrival of all non-citizens and non-residents from 9:00pm tomorrow (Friday 20 March 2020). This is so as to seek to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Australia.
It is unclear precisely how long this travel ban will be in place, but we note that it could be months before it is lifted.
At this stage, we understand that the ban does not apply to the following groups:
Australian citizens
permanent residents
New Zealand citizens who are resident in Australia
immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents (spouses, minor dependants and legal guardians).
The above groups can still travel to Australia, but will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
As we understand, all other temporary visa holders will be banned from entering Australia – including temporary visa holders who have been living in Australia, and are currently undertaking overseas travel.
If a person applies for a temporary visa from outside of Australia, it will likely be the case that while the visa can be granted, they will not be able to enter Australia until the ban is lifted.
In light of the above, please note the following:
All temporary visa holders should seek to remain in Australia, otherwise they will be subject to the ban;
Any temporary visa holders located outside of Australia at the present time should seek to return before 9pm tomorrow;
If you are seeking to lodge, or have lodged, a temporary visa application for a person who is located offshore (or you are the person located offshore), please note that the person will not be able to enter Australia until the ban is lifted.
We are optimistic that concessions may be put in place for 482/457 visa holders, but please note that at this stage the Department has provided no indication that such a concession will be made available.
We will provide further information in relation to the travel ban as soon as further specific details are provided.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us.
The Team at Integrate Legal
