Visa holder update to COVID-19 pandemic response from the Department of Home Affairs
With the pandemic curve currently under control many are starting to ask when the Australian government will loosen restrictions on international movement. The unfortunate news for many affected visa holders and those seeking to travel appears to be – ‘not soon’. Changes to support temporary visa holders The government announced a series of rapid changes to […]
Updated guidance on immigration response to Covid-19 Pandemic
Background Home Affairs and the Federal Government have announced multiple changes to the immigration system since the beginning of the crisis. The scope of the immigration response to the Covid-19 pandemic is drastic and the Federal government has collaborated with the immigration profession, employer groups, unions, and other NGOs to identify remedies which will support […]
Visa holders affected by COVID-19
Is your visa expiring before your intended departure from Australia? There are no exceptions in place for expired visa holders. If you are in Australia and your visa is about to expire, you will need to apply for another visa to remain lawfully in Australia. If you do not apply for another visa you could […]
Managing your Sponsorship Obligations during COVID-19
We understand that these are extremely difficult times, and we are working to ensure that we help reduce any uncertainty around the implications for you as a business sponsor and for your visa holders. Travel bans and restrictions Please refer to our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Immigration Updates page. Expiring visa holders If you have visa holders […]
Lifeline for Temporary Visitor Visa Holders
The Australian newspaper is reporting that special welfare payments and visa extensions will be offered to non-residents who lose their job and are stranded in Australia, unable to return home, due to the Coronavirus. There are an estimated 1.5 million people currently on temporary visas without access to government services. Reports suggest that the government […]
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Immigration Updates
Travel restrictions to Australia From 9 pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. All travellers to Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days, either at home or in a hotel. Exemptions to travel restrictions You can travel to Australia if you are: an Australian citizen […]
Australia blocks arrival of all non-residents in expanded coronavirus travel ban
Prime Minister Morrison announces travel ban effective 9.00 pm Friday 20th March Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that effective 9.00pm tomorrow (Friday 20th March) a travel ban will be imposed on all non-resident and non-Australian citizens entering Australia. In a similar vein, the Tasmanian Government announced this morning that all non-essential travellers to that […]
COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS) GUIDANCE
Office Closure & Work From Home Update In accordance with Victorian government directives, staff will continue to work from home until further notice. Face to face consultations at our West Melbourne office are NOT available until further notice. Please see below for further details. Call or use the contact form to drop us a few lines […]
Coronavirus Travel Restrictions – Mid February Update
The end of January 2020 saw the World Health Organisation declare a Global Health Emergency previously outlined here. Australia responded by imposing immediate travel restrictions that tightened border control and cancelled temporary visas held by individuals who had recently been in China. The restrictions, reiterated below from our previous report, have been indicated to remain […]