Australia To Reopen International Borders In Three Phases: Australian Citizens Get Top Priority

Raghubir Singh, a temporary Australian Visa holder, remains stranded in the South Asian nation as he waits for the Government to clear reopening plans for the border. He believes hundreds like him in India have had their temporary graduate visa expired, leaving no pathway to return to Australia, and hopes to receive Visa concessions from the Government.

While Prime Minister Scott Morrison has kept his strings of promises about reopening the international borders later this year, he announced the gradual return of three top priorities. The first one is Australian citizens and permanent residents, followed by skilled migrants and international students, and thirdly, returning tourists. However, international visitors may have to wait until the end of 2022.

Even experts are waiting for at least Australia to begin opening up this year. Mr Morrison replied that the country would start international travel again once 80% of the population is fully vaccinated. Professor Rajesh Chandy, Academic Director, Wheeler Institute for Business and Development, further added that vaccination would effectively support societies worldwide to coexist with COVID-19.