ENTERING RECOVERY PHASE
While the nation’s borders will remain closed until 2021, long-term visitors and students may be allowed in sooner.
MEASURES
- On 17 June, Australia’s Trade Minister announced that the nation is unlikely to re-open its border to tourists until 2021. However, entry rules for students and other long-term visitors may sooner be relaxed while still adhering to the strict 14-day quarantine rule.
- International education (i.e. foreign students receiving their education in Australia) is a significant export earner for the country. Two Canberra-based universities revealed “pilot programme” plans to hire a private plane for foreign students shut out by border closure, just after China warned students to rethink studying in Australia due to racist incidents.
- With international travel prohibited in the foreseeable future, the Government has urged Australians to look to local travel to help boost domestic tourism.