Australians living overseas could be trapped inside the country if they choose to return to Australia. This comes as the country’s government tightened its border laws without notice.
Since March last year, Australia has strictly barred its citizens from leaving the country as part of its Covid containment plan.
The Change That Affects Australians Overseas
That restriction has never before been imposed on Australians who normally live abroad. But now there’s a twist.
But now even those who live overseas will need to apply for exemption for travel back to abroad – in accordance with the new and changed laws.
Australia’s tough border laws have become a hot topic globally. Critics say the change – which comes in effect from August 11 – will continue to make families apart and prevent home loving citizens from returning.
Why?
The government has said the move aims to reduce the risk of Covid cases entering the country, as it fights its biggest outbreak this year.
Australia already has a weekly restriction for number of tourists or arrivals and restricts foreigners from entering unless they are exempted officially. Its policies are among the most stringent in the world.
Last month, it halved the number of new arrivals due to Delta variant’s outbreak.
Reactions
Many Australians have expressed outrage at the recent change that affects overseas Aussies.
Alexandra Phelan, who lives in the United States, wrote on Twitter that she is “waking up to news that I’m effectively exiled from my country”.
While closed border policy is widely supported in Australia, and has helped contain the spread of COVID, many have also criticized its impact on citizens.
Legal experts have debated whether Australian border policies violate constitutional rights by successfully preventing other citizens from returning.
When Will Restrictions Ease?
The government has said Australia will not reopen its borders until at least 80% of its population is vaccinated, which could happen next year. The current total is 19%.
More than half of Australia’s population is currently in a stay-at-home mandate due to the Delta outbreak in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Sydney – the worst-hit city – has recorded more than 4,300 cases so far.
