Travel Exemption Applications Open for Overseas Parents of Australians Separated by COVID-19

Publish Time:2021-10-22 14:55:08Source:Xinhua

【Introduction】:The Australian government has opened travel applications for overseas-based parents of citizens and residents. Department of Home Affairs on Friday launched its Travel Exemption Portal for travel to the country from Nov. 1, when parents will be included in the government's definition of "immediate family".

The Australian government has opened travel applications for overseas-based parents of citizens and residents.

The Department of Home Affairs on Friday launched its Travel Exemption Portal for travel to the country from Nov. 1, when parents will be included in the government's definition of "immediate family".

Under Australia's strict COVID-19 border restrictions only immediate family members of a citizen or resident are allowed to enter the country. Parents were not initially considered immediate family but will be from Nov. 1 after a change in exemptions.

Karen Andrews, the Minister for Home Affairs, said the change would allow many families separated by the pandemic to reunite.

"For more than 18 months, many families with parents overseas have missed weddings, funerals, the birth of grandchildren, and other significant events. I thank these families for their patience and their sacrifice over this period," she said in a statement.

"With today's change, parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents can reunite in Australia; they can once more hold their grandchildren, and gather in person to share life's significant milestones."

Parents applying to enter Australia will need to provide proof of their adult child's citizenship or residency as well as proof of their relationship.

Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be subject to the quarantine arrangements of the state or territory they arrive in.

On Friday, Australia reported more than 2,500 new locally-acquired COVID-19 cases and 21 deaths as the country continues to battle the third wave of infections.

It comes as Melbourne exited lockdown after 77 days, marking the first time since June that no Australian major city is in lockdown.

So far 86.1 percent of Australians aged 16 and over had received one coronavirus vaccine dose and 71.7 percent were fully inoculated, according to the latest data released by the Department of Health.

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