I'm a non-EU investor looking to explore some investment opportunities in Australia. Would it be reasonable to expect Australia's COVID related closure of borders to end by the end of this year? Or should business travelers like me make plans for 2022?
The human biosecurity emergency period has been extended for a further three months to Dec. 17, 2021, with the hope that Australia's national vaccination threshold of 80% would be achieved by then. Even then, international borders would be open on a gradual basis and probably open first to green lane countries on a quarantine-free travel bubble with Australia. Realistically speaking, visitor visas for business travelers like yourself may have to wait until 2022.
Currently, entry to Australia remains strictly controlled as a measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although, it is expected to resume back with limited restrictions, presently travel to Australia is only available if you are exempt or you have been granted an individual exemption. Presently, you may be granted individual exemption if you are a foreign national whose entry into Australia would be in the national interest, supported by the Australian government or a state or territory government authority. Generally, if the investment project is for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response, then travel exemption may be granted. For other investment purposes, it would be better to plan for 2022.
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