The Prime Minister announced that Australia's international border will fully reopen to those who are double vaccinated on 21 February 2022. We have outlined the critical dates and requirements for strategic workforce planning.

21 February 2022 – Reopening of international borders to all visa holders

On 7 February 2022, the Prime Minister announced that Australia's international border will fully reopen to those who are double vaccinated, effective 21 February 2022.

Those intending to travel should ensure they meet the current requirements for entry to Australia. As at date of publication, these are:

• Must hold a travel exemption, where required (not required after 21 February 2022);
• Must be fully vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine (and carry a foreign vaccination certificate);
• Must complete the Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departure;
• Must complete an acceptable COVID-19 test prior to departure; and
• Must meet any quarantine and testing arrangements set by the relevant state/territory at the port of entry.

Up-to-date information and further details are set out in our full article

Travellers should note that each Australian state and territory is responsible for setting its own quarantine and testing requirements for entry.

18 March 2022 – Reminder – Upcoming expiry of transitional arrangements for protected TSS and 457 visa holders

Employers who wish to retain their visa holding staff permanently should consider whether any of their visa holding employees fall within the 'protected visa cohort', and could be eligible for certain concessions in transitioning to permanent residency.

Certain transitional arrangements apply to the 'protected visa cohort', which is defined as anyone who:

• held a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017; or
• had lodged an application for a subclass 457 visa on or before 18 April 2017 that was subsequently granted.

If you have a 457/TSS visa employee who falls within the protected visa cohort, you should consider taking advantage of these arrangements before they cease on 18 March 2022.

Further details on the transitional arrangements and how they apply are set out in our full article.

Now until April 2022 – Relaxation of working hours for student visa holders

The Department of Home Affairs has advised that, due to workforce shortages, there is a temporary relaxation of student visa work limits.

Between now and April 2022, international students can work before their course commences and work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy.

This is a temporary arrangement that will be reviewed by the government in April 2022.

How can MinterEllison assist you?

MinterEllison provides strategic advice to employers on their global mobility needs, navigating restrictions and travel exemption requirements.

If you have any questions about these key dates, please don't hesitate to contact the Migration team.