Migration During the Pandemic

Following the introduction of COVID-19 into Australia in January 2020, thousands of temporary migrants left the country and even more have not been allowed in due to border closures. There are many various factors that contribute to migrants leaving the country, including, but not limited to, loss of jobs, inability to pay student course fees, isolation from family overseas and COVID-related overseas family obligations. This shortage of migrants in Australia has caused significant issues and highlighted their importance and key role in the operation of our economy. This has been made clear through the current skill shortages that our nation is currently grappling with. This undesirable situation points towards the obvious question, what entails the foreseeable future for Australian migration?

Now that some international borders have re-opened, combined with the realisation of Australia’s dependency on migration, there has been some parliamentary indication towards a possible promotion of migration to Australia. In October 2021, Immigration Minister, Josh Frydenberg indicated that there could be a change in Australia’s migration policy in the near future. According to the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook Report, it is subsequently expected that there will be approximately 120, 000 additional migrants coming into Australia over the next 2 years than was initially expected at budget.

Additionally, since 15 December 2021, eligible visa holders are allowed to travel to and from Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. You are also able to travel to Australia without seeking a travel exemption if you are fully vaccinated and automatically exempt, or if you are travelling to Australia under a safe travel zone arrangement. In addition to stimulating economic growth and filling skill shortages, the proposed increased migration plans will also assist in fulfilling the pandemic-driven shortages in international students at universities and also likely assisting those who are at risk, especially overseas in countries such as Afghanistan, to obtain protection visas.

Therefore, in response to the pandemic-caused migration crisis, Australia is re-thinking their policies and attitudes towards migrants and possibly identifying the significant benefit that they bestow upon this country, not only economically, but culturally as well.

If you would like assistance in migrating to Australia, having someone you know migrated to Australia, or just any migration matter in general, Straits Lawyers are here to help. We are now offering online services in both English and Chinese.

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Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and Straits Lawyers will not be legally responsible for any actions you take based on this article.