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Due to the widespread travel bans, Australia’s overseas migration intake is expected to fall by more than 85 per cent, when compared to 2018-19 levels.  

“On the 2018-19 year for net overseas migration, we’re expecting just over a 30 per cent fall in 2019-20, the current financial year. And in 2020-21, an 85 per cent fall-off those 2018-19 levels as well.”

– Prime Minister, Scott Morrison  

Australia as a whole is home to more than 2.1 million temporary visa holders, including working holiday-makers, international students and short-term workers, and more than 1.78 million permanent residents.  

How will the coronavirus crisis impact the Australian economy? 

In recent years, Australia has experienced a population growth of approximately 1.5 per cent. This population growth has accounted for most of Australia’s economic growth, with the migration program being a driving force behind this.  

According to Grattan Institute economist, John Daley, migrants have contributed to the boost in Australia’s economic position, by around one per cent per year.  

With 570,000 international students, who inject approximately $39 billion into the Australian economy each year, it is clear that the international education sector represents a significant contribution to economic growth in Australia.  

The hit to migration during the pandemic is expected to have a huge impact upon the economic recovery efforts made in Australia.  

“To come out of that recession or depression is made all the more difficult if net migration falls.”

– Former Deputy Secretary of the Immigration Department, Abul Rizvi. 

Over the last decade, more than half the nation’s population has come from overseas migration, with the skilled program being a key driver of the economy. 

Just one year without migration in Australia could result in economic and social catastrophe. Without migration, country town populations would decline and the growth rates of capital cities would reduce to near zero.  

The Morrison government has outlined that they will restore overseas travel and mass migration in the final stages of coronavirus recovery, making it a low priority during the nation’s recovery.  

What does this mean for temporary visa holders? 

During the coronavirus pandemic, it has been made very clear that temporary visa holders have fewer rights than those with permanent residency.  

Many New Zealanders and Permanent residents have access to unconditional work rights and are able to receive government payments such as JobSeeker and JobKeeper.  

Many temporary visa holders do not have access to financial assistance and are currently struggling to support themselves amid mass job loss.  

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has advised temporary visa holders to consider returning to their home country, if they can no longer support themselves financially.  

The Federal Government has made some changes and now allows those that have been in Australia for more than twelve months to access their superannuation.  

Temporary visa holders are expected to support themselves, but some may still be eligible for special financial hardship payments.  

FECCA CEO Mohammad Al-Khafaji has called for faster processing of applications, so that temporary migrants that have applied to become permanent residents can access financial support within Australia.  

“We need everyone to get the message that they are welcome in Australia and we need them more than ever to contribute to the economy.”

– Mohammad Al-Khafaji (FECCA CEO)  

In recent years, Australia’s migration program has been more dependent upon temporary visa holders and has seen a decline in the number of permanent visas.  

Last year, the maximum number of permanent visas was cut from 190,000 to 160,000 in a bid to reduce congestion in major cities.  

Even though there are restrictions on the number of permanent visa grants, Australia allows an uncapped number of temporary migrants to work, live or study in the country. In the last eight years, the number of temporary migrants has increased from 1.6 million to 2.4 million.  

A representative of the Labor Party, Kristina Keneally has called for a reduction in migration intake of temporary visa holders upon reopening the borders.

Kristina Keneally believes Australia’s reliance upon immigration to fuel the economy is ‘lazy’ and that there needs to be more focus upon providing opportunities to permanent residents and citizens of Australia.  

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced migration lawyers and registered migration agents that are available to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today! 

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During this pandemic, international students have been significantly impacted by job loss in the hospitality and tourism sectors, which has made it difficult for them to support themselves financially.

The majority of Federal Government programs have left international students in the dark, failing to provide them with access to the support they need during this crisis.

“This virus doesn’t discriminate and neither do we – we are in this together and we will get through it together.”

– Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade, Martin Pakula.

The Victorian Government has established a $45 million International Student Emergency Relief Fund to ensure all international students are able to support themselves during this difficult time.

The emergency fund will provide students with a one-off payment and will also be used to expand emergency provisions for those that are in exceptional circumstances.

The fund complements the current range of relief programs that are offered by Victorian universities, other education providers and government support.

Currently, there are more than 150,000 international students living in Victoria that are eligible for the Victorian Government’s rent relief program, with subsidies of up to $2,000.

International students that are legally allowed to work in Victoria will also be eligible for the Working for Victoria initiatives which assists people that have lost their jobs and helps them find new employment.

On a state level, international students have generated $12.6 billion revenue for Victoria in the last financial year, which supported over 79,000 jobs, with most students travelling from India, Malaysia, China and Vietnam.

“It’s important that we back the people who have made such a strong commitment to our state, and we will make sure that our education providers can emerge from the other side of this crisis in a position to quickly rebuild.”

– Minister for Education, James Merlino.

Am I eligible for the one-off payment?

If you are an international student studying from Victoria’s tertiary education providers including universities, private Vocational Education and Training providers, TAFEs and English language colleges are eligible to apply for the one-off payment.

What other support can I receive?

1. In addition to the emergency fund package, there is also pastoral care and student support services available through Victorian education providers. The Victorian Government offer the following additional support to international students:
2. There is a dedicated online COVID-19 support hub that you may access through the Study Melbourne website. This site provides up-to-date information in relation to the crisis, whilst connecting students with helpful, online resources and assistance.
3. The Victorian Government is providing employment support to those that are eligible for the Working for Victoria program. This program gives international students the opportunity to re-establish themselves in the workforce. Through the Study Melbourne Student Centre, this program also provides free resume checking and employment webinars.
4. You may be eligible for the Rent Relief Grant, which helps protect tenants, that are experiencing financial hardship, from being evicted. This grant provides access to free mediation services, in addition to a rental relief payment for eligible households.
5. The International Student Accommodation Legal Service and Work Rights Legal Service provides students with access to free accommodation and employment legal support.

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced migration lawyers and registered migration agents that are available to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today!

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As part of a $3 million COVID-19 support package, Tasmania will be providing cash payments to those that are suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. One-off payments of $250 will be given to temporary visa holders that are suffering financial hardship, whilst one-off payments up to $1000 will be given to families.

Of the 26,000 temporary visa holders in Tasmania, many have been significantly impacted by business closures, particularly those working in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Premier Peter Gutwein believes all temporary visa holders have the right to be supported during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I want to say that I don’t agree with the very simple message that temporary visa holders should just go home,”

“It’s important we support these people who’ve been working in our community earning an income and this package will take the steps necessary to do that.”

– Premier Gutwein

The State Government is also pushing to freeze all residential rent rises until at least the 30^th June, 2020.

Tasmania will also increase the amount of funding that is invested in non-government organisations in order to provide emergency relief for temporary visa holder.

On a national level, the Federal Government has extended superannuation access to temporary visa holders who have resided in Australia for more than twelve months.

COVID-19 Updates for Tasmania: 

As of the 30^th of April 2020, Tasmania has recorded 221 cases of COVID-19, with more than half linked to the outbreak that occurred between the two Burnie Hospitals in Tasmania’s north-west. Since the outbreak, the number of new daily cases has dropped significantly.

The tighter restrictions that have been imposed on Tasmania’s north-west after a coronavirus outbreak, will be lifted by the 3^rd of May 2020. Premier Gutwein states that the situation in the region is largely under control.

Since the outbreak three weeks ago, schools and non-essential businesses have been closed. On the 4^th of May 2020, businesses will be able to operate and schools will be open to students that are unable to stay at home. Non-essential businesses such as big box retailers, clothing stores, hairdressers, tobacconists and the like, will be able to reopen.

Further Support for Temporary Visa Holders & International Students:

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government also announced a $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ support package which will be providing secure, short-term employment opportunities for temporary visa holders and international students until June 2021.

On the 21^st of April 2020, the South Australian Government also announced that they will be investing $13.8 million into a support package for international students, in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

COVID-19 & Free Healthcare:  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, those that do not have access to Medicare but require testing, treatment or any other public health support services that are related to COVID-19 will have free medical access. Within the ACT public health system, this also includes free access to pathology, diagnostic, pharmaceutical and outpatient care.

Medicare ineligible patients may include those who are not an Australian permanent resident, are not entitled to hold a valid Medicare card, or temporary entrants, temporary visa holders, or those that are not from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement with Australia.

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Brisbane Registered Migration Agents that are able to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today! 

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The support package has been designed to provide an economic boost within the international education sector, which is currently facing hardship during COVID-19 crisis.

SA’s International Student Support Package includes:

• A $10 million fund for international students that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. These funds will be distributed by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia and will be given to struggling international students.
• A $500 emergency cash grant will be given to all other international students that are severely impacted by the restrictions. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a course, living in South Australia and meet the criteria.
• A one-off payment of $200 per student provided to South Australian families that currently live with student(s), to support accommodation for school students.

Study Adelaide, Chief Executive Karyn Kent, stated that “The number one concern expressed by all of our education providers has been for the welfare of their international students, and we expect this announcement to be a welcome relief for students and providers alike.”

“Adelaide’s reputation as an international student city will be further enhanced by the care and concern demonstrated by government, education providers and other organisations that support international students.”

– Ms Kent

ACT’s Support Package for temporary visa holders

This SA support package has come a day after the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government announced a $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ support package which will provide secure, short-term employment opportunities for temporary visa holders and international students until June 2021.

“Over the past month we have been advocating to the Federal Government for people on temporary visas to be covered by JobKeeper and remain connected with work. The Australian Government has refused and, as a result, many Canberrans on temporary visas have now lost work and now have literally no income, and no support like other Canberrans have through JobSeeker.”

– ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Tertiary Education, Chris Steel.

International students and temporary visa holders living in Canberra who were ineligible for Commonwealth assistance programs will now be able to access a $450,000 ACT Government Support Package.

The ACT Government has created 150 new jobs in the ACT public service for Canberrans whose income has been severely impacted by COVID-19. Those that live in Canberra on a temporary visa can apply online for a variety of temporary short-term roles in a number of areas including, maintenance, cleaning, administration, customer service, public transport and logistics.

Temporary visa holders will also be able to access food through the Canberra Relief Network. The additional funding will also be used to help Canberrans that are experiencing homelessness or domestic or family violence.

Tasmania offers cash payments for temporary visa holders

As part of a $3 million COVID-19 support package, Tasmania will be providing cash payments to those that are suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. One-off payments of $250 will be given to temporary visa holders that are suffering financial hardship, whilst one-off payments up to $1000 will be given to families.

COVID-19 & Free Healthcare  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, those that do not have access to Medicare but require testing, treatment or any other public health support services that are related to COVID-19 will have free medical access. Within the ACT public health system, this also includes free access to pathology, diagnostic, pharmaceutical and outpatient care.

Medicare ineligible patients may include those who are not an Australian permanent resident, are not entitled to hold a valid Medicare card, are temporary entrants or temporary visa holders, or those that are not from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement with Australia.

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Brisbane Registered Migration Agents that are able to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today! 

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According to the Department of Home Affairs, all employers must still abide by all relevant Australian workplace regulations and laws. Overseas workers still have the same rights as all other employees and are protected by Australian workplace law. 

In line with recent changes that have been made for permanent residents and citizens of Australia, the majority of temporary visa holders with work rights, will be able to access their Australian superannuation to help assist them during the crisis.   

Temporary visa holders that are not able to support themselves under these new arrangements are advised by the Australian Government to return to their home country.   

Temporary Skilled visa holders:   

There are approximately 139,000 temporary skilled visa holders in Australia that are on either a 2-year, or 4-year visa. Visa holders that have been stood down, but not fired or laid off, will still maintain their visa validity. Businesses are able to apply to have their visa extended, due to these disruptions.  

The visa holder will NOT be in breach of their visa conditions, even if their hours have been reduced. Those that are in Australia on a Temporary Skilled visa will be eligible to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation this financial year.  

Those that have been laid off due to the coronavirus are advised to leave Australia, if they are unable to secure a new sponsor. Visa holders on a 4-year visa that are re-employed after the pandemic can count the entire time that they have spent in Australia towards permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.   

International Students:   

International students represent a major contributor to Australia’s tertiary sector and economy, supporting over 240,000 Australian jobs. Students that find themselves in financial hardship because of the coronavirus and have been in Australia for 12-months or longer, are able to access their Australian superannuation.   

The Australian Government has also announced that they will be flexible and relax the visa conditions for international students that have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak (such as not being able to attend class).   

International students are still able to work 40 hours per fortnight, whilst those that work in the aged care sector, or as nurses will have their hours extended to support the needs of the sector. Furthermore, international students that work for major supermarkets will also have their hours extended to meet the high demand of shelf stocking.  

Working Holiday Makers:   

Currently, there are 118,000 people in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (or Backpacker Visa). Working Holiday makers that work in critical sectors such as health, aged care and disability care, food processing, childcare and agriculture, will be given some flexibility, in relation to their visa conditions. Working Holiday makers that work in these critical sectors will not be subject to the six-month work limitation with one employer. Furthermore, if their current visa is due to expire within the next six-months and they work in one of these critical sectors, they will be eligible to apply for a further visa. The Australian Government recommends Working Holiday makers that are not able to support themselves over the next six-months to leave the country.   

Visitor visa holders:  

There are approximately 203,000 international visitors in Australia, who could be in Australia for up to three-months. The Australian Government has advised all international tourists to return to their home country.  

New Zealanders on 444 visas:  

There are 672,000 New Zealanders that are currently living and working in Australia on a 444 visa. Those that have arrived in Australia before the 26th of February, 2001 will be able to access welfare payments, as well as JobKeeper payments, provided they have experienced job loss or reduced hours over the past few weeks. However, those that arrived in Australia after the 26th of February, 2001 will only be able to access the JobKeeper payment. New Zealanders on 444 visas, that have lived in Australia for over 10 years will be able to access Job Keeper payments for up to six-months. Those that are unable to support themselves during these trying times should consider returning to New Zealand. 

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Brisbane Registered Migration Agents that are able to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today! 

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If you are a spouse, or in a de facto relationship with a permanent resident or Australian citizen and have lodged an application within the last three months, or are planning to lodge one in the next few months, it is predicted that you will be the significantly impacted by these new waiting times. 

Before the coronavirus crisis, the average processing time for the Partner Provisional (Subclass 309) visa was anywhere between 10 to 12 months from the date of lodgement. Offshore applicants will now have to wait longer for a decision on their application due to the significant impact of COVID-19. 

These extensive delays can be attributed to the current lockdowns that are in place within the majority of countries, which has resulted in the closure of many visa-related services. In this current climate, applicants may struggle to obtain police certificates, complete health examinations and attend biometrics appointments. 

“At least 75 to 85 percent of applicants will be impacted if the crisis went on for a few more months.” claims Migration Agent, Juj Bajwar. 

Acting Immigration Minister, Alan Tudge, stated that couples may face difficulty in receiving a visa grant, due to the closure of the borders. 

Offshore partner visa applicants can still enter Australia on a Visitor visa whilst waiting for their partner visa application to be processed. It should be noted there is a prerequisite for 309 applicants which does not allow them to be in Australia whilst they are making the final decision for the application. Therefore, if you choose to travel to Australia on a Visitor visa, you must exit the country upon receiving an email from the Department of Home Affairs asking you to leave the country, so that they can make a final decision in relation to your Partner visa application. 

Mr Singh states that “If you lodge an application along with all appropriate documents, police clearance and medical, you end up reducing the turnaround time significantly. But in the current circumstances, that too wouldn’t be possible.” 

As there is a slower rate of correspondence and responses from case officers that are working within other countries, it is expected that there will be extreme delays. 

As the Department of Home Affairs assesses each application on a case-by-case basis, the actual processing times will vary according to individual circumstances, such as: 

• Whether you have lodged a complete application, which includes all relevant supporting documents. 
• How promptly you respond to requests for further information. 
• How long it takes to conduct checks on the supporting documents that are provided. 
• How long it takes to obtain further information from external agencies (such as health, character and national security requirements). 
• How many places are available within the migration program (Only applies to permanent migration visa applicants). 

It is important to submit a complete application, in order to assist in processing. 

Worried about your future in Australia? If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced migration lawyers and registered migration agents that are available to guide you through this complex area of law. We have lawyers available within Australia and expert migration agents within Brisbane to assist you with your visa today. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation . today! 

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The Subclass 408 Visa is a Temporary Activity visa that allows you to live and work in Australia on a short-term basis, in specific activities or areas.

Given the Pandemic status of COVID-19, the Australian Government has decided to introduce the ‘COVID-19 Pandemic event for Subclass 408 (temporary activity) Visa’, which is a special visa option made available within the Subclass 408 Visa stream.  

Here are the requirements of this new visa:  

• Your current visa must be expiring in no more than 28 days.  
• You must be in Australia and are unable to depart as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  
• You are unable to apply for the same temporary visa that you currently hold, or have held or any other temporary visa other than this new visa.  
• You are unable to depart Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• You must be currently working in a critical sector during the COVID-19 crisis, including but not limited to, disability and aged care, healthcare, agriculture or childcare during the pandemic.  
• You must have fully complied with all visa conditions for your current or last visa.  
• You must have health insurance.  
• You are not able to perform as an entertainer on this new visa.  

If you apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic visa, you will not have to pay anything as it is free to lodge your application.  

With this visa you can:  

• Remain in Australia, if you have no other visa options are unable to leave Australia due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions.  

• Remain in Australia to assist in critical sectors during the crisis (eg. healthcare, disability and aged care, childcare and agriculture)  

The Acting Minister for Immigration, Alan Trudge, recently announced a number of concessions and options that will be made available for temporary visa holders who are currently struggling due to the COVID-19 crisis.  

Below are other concessions that have been made for temporary visa holders:  

• Subclass 457 and 482 workers that have been stood down but not fired are able to maintain their visa validity without the sponsor or the visa holder breaching any of their conditions and obligations. These visa holders will also maintain their visa validity and will not breach their visa conditions or sponsor obligations, if their hours worked have been reduced. Furthermore, these visa holders will have the opportunity to extend their stay in Australia by applying for a further visa, granted they meet the normal requirements.  
• Temporary Skilled visa holders that are currently facing financial hardship over the pandemic will be able to access up to $10,000 of their Australian Superannuation.  

• If an overseas worker is made redundant, they are expected to exit Australia, unless they find a new employer that aligns with their current visa conditions. If they are sponsored in Australia in the future, their original time spent in Australia will count towards their eligibility for a permanent visa stream.  

 If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration agents are the best in the field, with a team of experienced migration lawyers and registered migration agents that are available to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today! 

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Currently, COVID-19 is wreaking havoc across the world, causing mass disruptions to many businesses and creating extreme uncertainty amongst communities. 

According to the ABS (2020), approximately half of Australian businesses have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 in the past two weeks. Australian businesses, employers and workers are now struggling to adjust to new restrictions that have significantly disadvantaged their productivity, profitability and viability. 

In the previous two weeks, COVID-19 has had the most significant impact upon the Accommodation & Food Services sector, with 78% of these businesses reporting that they have been adversely impacted by the virus.   

Australian businesses are now in the process of down-scaling their operations, cutting costs and trying their best to stay afloat during these tough times. It is expected that many employers of visa holders are currently considering the impact of COVID-19 on their sponsored workers. 

The FAQ for Employers of Sponsored Workers outlined below may give you an idea of what steps you need take to ensure your business stays afloat during these unprecedented times.

1. Can I reduce the hours of my sponsored workers, or move them to part-time work? 

Both 457 and 482 visa programs have been created to fill genuine skill shortages within the Australian labour market. A requirement of the grant of a 482 visa, is that the nominated occupation must be for full-time work. The majority of 457 visas are also often approved nominations for full-time work. Therefore, reducing the work hours of your sponsored employee to part-time may decrease their overall earnings and therefore fail to meet the sponsor obligations under Regulation 2.79.  

As it stands, a TSS Visa holder cannot work reduced hours as their annual earnings must not be less than their approved salary that was indicated in their visa application.  

However, a 457 Visa holder may reduce their work hours, if:  

• The new terms and conditions of their employment are in line with current Australian workplace standards and are not less favourable than an Australian worker (such as a permanent resident or citizen of Australia) that is performing the same work at the same location.  
• The same rate of pay (in line with their approved salary) for the reduced hours worked. Therefore, they must be earning at least the amount of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold which sits at AUD53,900 per annum.  
• If the approved position of the sponsored person is imposed with a caveat that requires a minimum amount of annual earnings, then they must earn at least that amount. 

2. Can I reduce my sponsored workers’ wages?  

If you lodge a new nomination with a lower wage and the wage is at the market rate and above or equal to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), then you are able to reduce the wage of a sponsored worker.  

3. What about Leave Without Pay (LWOP)?  

A sponsored worker that takes Leave Without Pay (LWP) will not be risking their visa, provided the leave is for less than three months. The Department has been known to give special consideration where there are exceptional circumstances that warrant a sponsored worker staying longer than three months. It is expected that the coronavirus crisis may be taken into account as an ‘exceptional circumstance’ and can be used to by sponsored workers that need to take more than three months of unpaid leave. 

4. Can I terminate the employment of a sponsored worker?  

You must notify the Department within 28 calendar days, if you are required to terminate the employment of a sponsored worker.  

The sponsored worker will then be given a time-frame in which they are expected to leave Australia, find a new employer and lodge necessary application to transfer their visa across, or lodge another application for a visa to extend their stay in Australia.

TSS visa holders must take action within 60 days of being laid off.  If a 457 Visa holder had their visa granted on or after 19 November 2016, then they will have 60 days to take action. If the 457 Visa holder had their visa granted before 19 November 2016, then their time limit is 90 days.  

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced migration lawyers and registered migration agents that are available to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today! 

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Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has stated that these precautions have been put in place by the Australian Government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on Australian soil.

You can travel to Australia if you are:

• An Australian citizen
• A permanent resident of Australia
• A New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia
• An immediate family member of Australian citizens and permanent residents

These travel restrictions apply to both non-residents and non-citizens.

Citizens and permanent residents of Australia, as well as immediate family, are still allowed to return from overseas, but will be required to self isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia.

These new travels restrictions have replaced earlier restrictions which saw foreign nationals in China, Iran, Italy and South Korea banned from entering Australia.

Mr Morrison stated that these earlier travel bans significantly reduced the number of people travelling to Australia to one-third of normal levels.

The new travel ban means that those with working holiday, or student visas, who are currently outside of Australia, will not be allowed to enter Australia. These restrictions could potentially remain in place for the next six months, or even longer.

“About 80 per cent of the cases we have in Australia are either the results of someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas,” Mr Morrison said.

The Department of Home Affairs stated that they will station Australian Border Force Liaison Officers at overseas airports to work with airlines in identifying travellers that are banned from entering Australia. These travellers will then be stopped from boarding flights to Australia.

Fortunately for airlines, foreign airline crew will be exempt from this travel ban. Airlines are advised to take appropriate precautions during layovers, which includes making staff self-isolate for 14 days within Australia.

Citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand are also allowed to enter the country, provided they self-isolate for 14 days. Australian citizens and permanent residents that live within New Zealand are also permitted to enter New Zealand but must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

• The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia has surpassed 1000.
• Globally, there are over 300,000 individuals which have been infected, with approximately 90,000 who have recovered.

Travelling from overseas

• All people that are allowed to enter Australia must self isolate for 14 days
• • You may board a domestic flight to your intended destination in Australia to self-isolate there.
  • If you are well and not symptomatic, you may self-isolate in a hotel.
  • If travellers do not comply with their 14 day self-isolation requirements, they may face a range of penalties that exist in each State or Territory.

How will Australia enforce coronavirus self-isolation rules for overseas arrivals?

New South Wales:

• Under the NSW Public Health ACT, those that enter Australia from another country must self-isolate for 14 days. If you do not comply, you will be subject to fines of up to AUD11,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

Victoria:

• Anyone that does not self-isolate for 14 days could potentially receive a fine of almost AUD20,000 for individuals, or AUD100,000 for companies.

Queensland:

• Under the Public Health Act 2005, those that fail to comply will receive fines of up to AUD13,345.

Australian Territory:

• The ACT has declared a public health emergency in response to the coronavirus. Anyone who breaches the self-isolation requirements could face an AUD8,000 fine.

Western Australia:

• Anyone that breaches the 14-day self-isolation order in Western Australia could face a fine of AUD50,000 or possible jail time.

Northern Territory:

• Under the Notifiable Disease Act, any breach of the self-isolation requirements could result in penalties of up to AUD1,256 or six months prison time.

South Australia:

• The SA parliament have recently passed new laws that give public health officers more power to manage self-isolation. Failure to comply, under the Public Health Act 2011, could result in a maximum fine of AUD25,000.

Tasmania:

• As of the 19^th of March, Tasmania will be requiring everyone that arrives in the state, or on Flinders, or King Islands, to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. This also applies to citizens and permanent residents of Australia that are simply travelling from mainland Australia. The only exemption to these regulations, include health care workers, who are entering Tasmania due to “essential” travel needs. The penalty for breaching this requirements could result in a fine of up to AUD16,800 or six months imprisonment.

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Registered Migration Agents that are available to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on info@resultsmigration.com.au and book your free consultation today! 

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