Big change to Australia’s border rules

Scott Morrison is set to announce a further easing of border restrictions in a bid to bolster the nation’s economic recovery.

Australia is preparing to reopen its border to tens of thousands of international students, migrant workers and refugees within weeks.

The federal government is expected to announce a further easing of border restrictions on Monday to help accelerate the economic recovery from the pandemic.

It will be up to the states to decide on quarantine arrangements for overseas arrivals, with Victoria already confirming at the weekend that fully vaccinated international ­students will not have to ­quarantine.

Industry leaders have been pleading for the Commonwealth to open up the nation to more skilled and unskilled migrants, as labour shortages cause havoc as businesses reopen after months of strict pandemic restrictions.

Josh Frydenberg said workforce shortages were “the most pressing issue” raised by businesses in “almost every sector of the economy”.

The federal government is expected to announce a further easing of border restrictions.

“As our recovery gathers pace, businesses around the country are increasingly in need of skilled workers – whether they be in hospitality, mining, construction, or professional services,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“Safely reopening our borders to skilled migrants and overseas students will accelerate our economic recovery by helping to address shortages in our labour market and allowing businesses to expand and grow with confidence.”

A vaccinated travel lane opened between Australia and Singapore on Sunday in a billion-dollar boost for the nation’s tourism sector, and similar arrangements are also planned for Korea and Japan.

Victoria and NSW are leading the charge, scrapping quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Australians.

Mr Frydenberg said the international student market was a “significant income earner for the country”, contributing $40bn to the economy before the pandemic.

A couple is reunited at Sydney Airport. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The Victorian government is expecting the first group of international students to arrive in December, with priority to those who will do practical work, such as research, health and medical students.

They will be able to avoid hotel quarantine but must return a negative Covid test within 72 hours of their departure.

Rodney Andersen was on Sunday reunited with his wife Porn Picha after two long years of separation.

“We’re both just bursting with happiness,” Mr Andersen said.

“It was very emotional.

“To be able to finally see her come through the doors at ­Melbourne Airport was very overwhelming.”