Australia will reopen its borders for international travelers from November. The government has decided to give freedoms to its long-awaited vaccinated citizens and their relatives.

In the past, Australia has one of the world’s strictest border regulations, even ban on its citizens from leaving the country.

Though many people praise the decision for helping suppress Covid, there was also criticism for alienating families.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, ‘’ It’s time to give Australians their lives back.’’

The eligibility depends on the set criteria which are 80% vaccination rate for states. As Morrison told the press on Friday.

Although, foreigners may not be able to travel immediately the government said it was working ‘’ towards welcoming tourists back to our shores.’’

Amy Hayes, who lives in the English town of Reading, Berkshire is not able to go back to Queensland in nearly three years. And told BBC that it was ‘’ encouraging to see things moving in the right direction.

She told BBC News, ‘’ But I’ll believe the borders have reopened when I see it and hear the stories of stranded Aussies being able to get home uninhibited.’’

Henry Aldridge also talked to BBC about the experience and is excited to fly back to the UK for Christmas to see his parents. He said,

‘’We’re pretty excited, the first year and a half (of the pandemic) we looked on at the UK and thought, we’re pretty happy here. But the last few months haven’t been ideal. ‘’

As the lockdown started, there wasn’t any significant change in the country’s record which seems a bit absurd, he said.

What Critics Says about uplifting of restrictions?

Though it’s new hope for many families, some people do not appreciate the move. They criticize the government for taking this step.

Talking to BBC, David Mullahey who lives in Western Australia said, ‘’ Covid has hardly touched us here and we’ve had limited deaths. Why should we risk being put in the same scenario as Victoria and New South Wales? ‘’

They believe that lifting the international border is not a good idea when the government cannot control the cases in different states.

At present, Australia’s record is up to 107,000 cases of Covid-19, and over 1,300 deaths. The strict border restrictions have left thousands of Australians stranded overseas.

Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 14 days in hotels. Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra are currently in lockdown due to an outbreak of the virus.