Australia to reopen int’l border in November

Dhaka: Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that the international border will reopen in November, initially permitting travel for vaccinated citizens and their relatives.

Since March 2020, only a few Australians and others have entered the country due to strict immigration laws. Without an exemption, outbound travel is likewise prohibited.

While the programme has been lauded for assisting in the suppression of Covid, it has also caused controversy by separating families.

States with immunisation rates of at least 80 per cent will be granted the enhanced travel privileges.

“It is past time for Australians to reclaim their lives,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared on October 1.

While foreigners will not be able to travel immediately, the administration stated that it was working “towards welcome tourists back to our shores.”

At the moment, individuals are only permitted to leave Australia for extraordinary circumstances, such as necessary work or visiting a dying relative.

Citizens and anyone with exemptions are permitted entry; however, there are strict limits on arrival numbers. This has resulted in the stranding of tens of thousands of people abroad.

Morrison announced that Australia’s rigours 14-day hotel quarantine, which currently costs each travelling AD 3,000 (USD 1,600; USD 2,100), would be phased out.

It will be phased out in favour of a seven-day home quarantine for vaccinated travellers. When unvaccinated passengers are later granted entry, they must complete a 14-day quarantine.

Flight demand is expected to be strong, and airlines have warned of potential resuming service delays.

This is a highly anticipated announcement for thousands of Australians living in Australia and across the world. It is, without a doubt, an emotional time for many, following nearly two years of isolation.