Foreign tourists cannot back to Australia until at least 2022

Prime Minister Scott Morrison

 

Foreign tourists cannot back to Australia until at least 2022 despite the country lifting several Covid travel restrictions.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said immigrants and skilled students would be prioritized over foreign tourists.

Prime Minister said he would not be allowed to return to Australia until 80% of the country's population - aged 16 or over - had been fully vaccinated.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the country would prioritize the return of immigrants and skilled students instead, as he outlined plans to lift some of the most challenging and most extended Covid travel restrictions imposed by any democracy.

Morrison said they would only be allowed to return to Australia after vaccinating 80 percent of its population aged 16 or older. It is expected to reach that point on Tuesday.

But there was no set date when foreign tourists would be allowed to visit the country, with Morrison simply saying he believed international visitors could travel "next year."

The news comes just days after Morrison said that, from November 1, fully vaccinated Australians from states where more than 80 percent of people are allowed to travel abroad will be allowed to travel freely - having been banned from leaving without an acceptable excuse since March 2020.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that immigrants and skilled students would instead be prioritized, as he outlined plans to lift some of the most challenging and longest-running Covid-19 travel restrictions imposed by any democracy.

Strict travel restrictions, which confined most Australians to their homes and kept most foreigners away, led to a low level of immigration.

Australian universities, which depend on many fees paid by international students, have been hit particularly hard. Many students are afraid to go elsewhere if they are not allowed in soon.

While many countries have imposed strict lockdowns that have shut down large parts of economies, travel restrictions in Australia have kept life somewhat normal for most of the pandemic - although it is now seeing lockdowns in the biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, as well The capital, Canberra.

The rules imposed a heavy emotional burden in a country where half the population was born abroad, or at least one parent was an immigrant. Families have been separated, and some grandparents have been banned from meeting grandchildren in Australia who is now approaching two years old.

After lifting restrictions on Australians, Morrison said the next priority would be for skilled immigrants and international students - before tourists. He did not specify when those groups would be allowed to enter.

"We'll have international visitors as well, I think, next year," Morrison said.