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ARTICLE · 03 DECEMBER 2021

Australia Postpones Relaxation Of Entry Restrictions For Visa Holders

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On November 29, 2021, the Australian government announced that it would delay its plan to reopen the country to fully vaccinated visa holders in light of the identification of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

AustraliaImmigration
María E. Ferré
María E. Ferré
John B. Corgan
John B. Corgan
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On November 29, 2021, the Australian government announced that it would delay its plan to reopen the country to fully vaccinated visa holders in light of the identification of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. The delay is effective through at least December 15, 2021, and applies to students, skilled workers, and those carrying humanitarian, working holiday, and family visas. In its announcement, the government cited the need to gather more information to better understand the omicron variant, including its transmissibility, severity, and interaction with existing vaccines.

Reopening Plan Postponed

Before the November 29 announcement, Australia had planned to begin allowing fully vaccinated travelers in a host of visa categories to enter the country without obtaining a travel exemption starting on December 1. These visa categories included, among others:

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