There are still hundreds of Australian citizens and permanent residents overseas desperate to return home. They're likely to face more delays and bigger costs to make the journey.
The federal government's decision to slow the pace of international arrivals to Australia is set to make it more difficult for returning Australians and residents to come home.
The Victorian government has already suspended international arrivals while the state manages its surge in cases, meaning more flights had to be diverted to other airports around the country. Meanwhile, NSW will cap arrivals at 450 people per day and Western Australia was already set to limit arrivals to 525 a week or about 75 a day.
More than 357,000 Australians citizens and permanent residents have returned since then – but thousands remain overseas – some of their own choosing. “People are going to struggle to get here and if they’re destitute overseas – I wonder how they are going to support themselves? There is a human element here and they have to consider that.”Taxpayers had initially been paying for people’s mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine stays since the protocols were introduced.
He also said hardship considerations for those who can’t afford the hotel bill would be a “matter for states and territories”.Plans for international students to return to Australia have also been plunged into uncertainty as a result of the surge in cases in Victoria.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong citizens in Australia will be allowed to stay another five years amid China crackdownPeople from Hong Kong currently in Australia will be allowed to stay in the country for five more years and offered a pathway to permanent residency, following China's move to impose a controversial security law on the city.
Read more »
China accuses Australia of violating international law | Sky News AustraliaChina has accused Australia of violating international law after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia would offer visas to residents of Hong Kong.\n\nBeijing's sweeping new national security laws cracking down on subversion have attracted mounting criticism from the west. \n\nIn response to the law, the Australian government will follow in the United Kingdom's footsteps and offer a path to permanent residency for those wanting to escape Beijing's influence. \n\nThe nation's extradition agreement with Hong Kong will also be suspended.\n\nThe Chinese government lashed out in response, warning the Australian government against meddling in its domestic affairs.
Read more »
Inbound arrivals to be halved, PM saysThe Federal Government will halve the numbers of inbound travellers into Australia as recent arrivals cause spikes in COVID-19 cases.
Read more »
Missed the PM's latest press conference? Here's what you need to knowHelp for Victoria, more in-home aged care placements and a slowing of international arrivals: Catch up on the key points from the Prime Minister's latest press conference.
Read more »
Australia set to cap international flights to contain spike in coronavirus casesPrime Minister Scott Morrison has agreed to cap international arrivals after state premiers raised concerns about stretched hotel quarantine systems.
Read more »
Hong Kong citizens offered extended visas as Australia suspends extradition agreementAustralia will extend the visas of some Hong Kong citizens in response to China's crackdown on personal freedoms in the autonomous region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.
Read more »