Foreign fee students to fly around travel ban under planned exemption
A special travel ban exemption to allow international students into the country before borders completely reopen will be considered, but certain measures need to be in place before it can happen.
NSW Coronavirus News
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International students would have to follow strict health guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus if granted an exemption to enter Australia, say top medical experts.
Plans to facilitate the return of foreign university students, potentially ahead of other international visitors, are well underway, with expert health advice already prepared for the National Cabinet to consider.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan said the Australian Health Principal Protection Committee was focused on how to securely allow international students into Australia without spreading COVID-19.
“(That) will be considered along with a range of other aspects as we roll back some of the restrictions we have seen in recent weeks,” she said.
Ms McMillan said the decision to allow overseas students into Australia was “ultimately” up to National Cabinet.
“We know the importance of international students to their education and our economy, but that will be made considering the impact that might have on the spread of COVID-19,” she said.
Education Minister Dan Tehan flagged the government was considering a special exemption for international students, who contribute more than $1 billion to NSW universities alone.
A University of Sydney spokeswoman said the institution was in “close discussions” with all levels of government on a range of COVID-19 restrictions.
“We recognise the valuable intellectual, economic and diplomatic contribution international students make to NSW … and can’t wait to welcome those of our students that are currently overseas to campus, once it is safe to do so,” she said.
“We’re planning for a range of different scenarios as we consider a return to face-to-face teaching, learning and working – including how we might manage a staged return of education and research activities.”
A spokeswoman for the University of NSW told The Daily Telegraph the return of international students would be welcomed.
“UNSW is co-operating fully with relevant government and health authorities on how and when international students can return to Australian campuses,” she said.
A letter to students from UNSW Vice Chancellor Ian Jacobs said the university was “accelerating” its plans to return to “normalcy” in line with government health advice.
“The plans will need to balance ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors, with a wish to reactivate our offices, learning spaces, labs, and physical spaces as soon as possible,” he said.
“This is not a straightforward process and we will be deliberately cautious in our approach.”
Prof Jacobs said the switch to online learning since March had not been completely “negative”.
“If our shift to digital and virtual working and learning can be built upon and partially sustained, it could lead to greater flexibility, which will enable students and staff to balance their lives more rewardingly than ever before,” he said.
“We want to retain as many of the positive benefits as possible, while maintaining UNSW as an outstanding physical campus.”