Health Minister Greg Hunt confirms international arrivals cap to be scrapped when Australia opens to travel

After more than 18 months, the Health Minister has confirmed international arrivals caps will be scrapped.

Thousands of Australians could be home by Christmas, with international travel caps to be scrapped when borders reopen and a phase to home quarantine begins.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed on Monday morning that with the news NSW is planning to fast-track international travel as early as the end of this month, that would mean the end of caps for Australians trying to return home – provided their home is in NSW.

“The reason we’re so keen is not just to ensure people can travel overseas and reunite with their family and friends and loved ones but also to ensure people are able to come back,” Mr Hunt told Radio National.

Travel caps will be scrapped in states that have opened their international borders and transitioned to home quarantine. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“They have carried part of the burden (during the pandemic). I acknowledge that.

“That has kept us safe but now we can bring them home. We can remove the caps for those returning Australians if they can get home quarantine.

“We want to see everybody home as quickly as possible.”

Mr Hunt said Australia was “very used” to home quarantine.

“With people crossing state borders, people home quarantining because they are a close contact,” he said.

“That’s a system that’s well established and well tried.”

It’s hoped other states will quickly follow NSW in opening international borders. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Mr Hunt’s comments come after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a plan on Sunday to fast-track reopening NSW’s international border following a discussion with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

“I know the NSW government is looking at ways to fast-track home quarantine in November, and if that happens we will be able to move to facilitate the opening up of the international border into NSW sooner,” Mr Morrison said on Sunday.

“Now, that would mean home quarantine for vaccinated Australians wishing to return home via Sydney and giving the option for international travel for vaccinated Australians to leave and return.”

It is understood the state could open its borders and transition from hotel quarantine to home quarantine on November 1.

Other states could keep strict restrictions on their international borders – including on arrival caps and hotel quarantine – until they reach 80 per cent full vaccination coverage.

States like Queensland and Western Australia have hinted their international borders could remain closed for even longer.

While Australian citizens and permanent residents will be the only people able to access the scheme at first, it could ramp up to include skilled workers and international students from next year.