IMPACT – HIGH

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced significant measures for students, graduates and skilled workers from Hong Kong who wish to live, work and study in Australia. The visa arrangements will provide opportunities for Hong Kong passport holders to remain in Australia, as well as pathways to apply for permanent residence.

Key Points:

  • Temporary graduate and skilled workers will be offered five years of work rights in Australia in addition to the time they have already been in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency at the end of that period.
  • Students will be eligible for a five-year graduate visa at the conclusion of their studies, with a pathway to permanent residency at the end of that period.
  • Future Hong Kong applicants for temporary skilled visas will receive a five-year visa, provided they meet the updated skills list and Labour Market Testing requirements.
  • Existing arrangement will continue to apply for those applicants who study and work in regional areas to help address skills shortages in those areas, with pathways to permanent residency after three years.

Analysis & Comments: The government is seeking to attract talent and companies to Australia to contribute to the country’s economic growth and job creation. Deloitte will provide additional updates as they become available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The National Cabinet has announced that reducing the number of citizens and residents returning each week will ease pressure on state and territory coronavirus quarantine systems and free up resources to focus on testing and tracing.

Key Points:

  • The number of Australian citizens and residents allowed into Australia will be reduced from approximately 7,000 to 4,000 each week, effective July 13.
  • Access to Australia will continue, but the number of available seats on flights will be reduced.
  • Individuals arriving in Australia are still required to undergo 14-day mandatory quarantine in a designated facility.
  • All jurisdictions will begin charging individuals arriving in Australia with the cost of the mandatory quarantine. The costs vary between states but will be approximately $3,000 for an adult or $5,000 for a family of two adults and two children.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Australian government has announced changes to temporary visa arrangements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid off, will maintain the validity of their visa, and their employers may extend their visas as per normal arrangements. Employers may also reduce TSS visa holders’ hours without their being in breach of their visa conditions.
  • TSS visa holders laid off because of the COVID-19 virus should leave Australia in accordance with their existing visa conditions if they are unable to secure a new sponsor. Nevertheless, for four-year visa holders re-employed after the pandemic, the time they already spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.
  • Working holiday visa holders employed in critical sectors such as health care, agriculture and food processing, childcare and elderly and disabled care, will be exempt from the six-month limitation and may apply for an additional visa if their visa will expire in the next six months.
  • International student visa holders working in supermarkets, elderly care or nursing may work more than 40 hours per two-week period until May 1, at which time they will again be subject to the limit of 40 hours every two weeks.
  • Visa holders in Australia who have 28 days or less remaining on their current visa, or those who held a visa which expired no more than 28 days ago, may apply for Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) to allow them to:
    • Remain in Australia if they have no other visa option and are unable to depart due to COVID-19 travel restrictions; or
    • Remain in Australia to assist in critical sectors of health, care and agriculture.

Additional information: Many temporary visa holders will be eligible to access their superannuation this financial year should they need to do so to support themselves. Those unable to financially support themselves during this time are advised to leave Australia.

Analysis & Comments: The changes are good news for many temporary visa holders, as those working in essential sectors will be able to continue working during the pandemic while remaining in compliance with the conditions of their visa. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Department of Home Affairs has added outbound travel restrictions to its COVID-19 policies.

What does the change mean? As of March 25 at noon AEDT, Australian citizens and permanent residents are restricted from traveling overseas. Limited exemptions apply.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Affected travelers: Australian citizens and permanent residents.
  • Business impact: Businesses should anticipate delays and postponement of travel for affected employees.
  • Next steps: Australian citizens and permanent residents should postpone overseas travel unless they fall under an exempt category.

Exemptions:

  • Those who ordinarily reside in a foreign country.
  • Those whose travel is associated with essential work at offshore facilities.
  • Air and maritime crews and related safety workers.
  • Those engaged in day-to-day movement of outbound and inbound freight.
  • Those traveling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should identify travelers affected by the new outbound travel restrictions and postpone travel if necessary. Those who believe they fall under an exempt category should consult their Deloitte contacts to explore in further detail.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has announced that as of March 20, only Australian citizens, permanent residents and their family members can enter the country.

Key Points:

  • All foreign nationals, save for permanent residents, will be prohibited from entering Australia.
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents returning to Australia must self-isolate for 14 days.
  • Visa holders currently in Australia may remain in the country.

Additional information: Holders of temporary skills shortage, short stay activity and working holiday visas, as well as New Zealand citizens who do not normally reside in Australia, are considered non-residents and subject to the entry ban.

Analysis & Comments: The new entry ban will be in effect until further notice as of March 20. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government is advising Australians abroad to return to Australia amid tightening travel restrictions.

Key Points:

  • Australians are advised to return to Australia as soon as possible lest they be unable to return at a later time should countries close their borders.
  • Anyone arriving in Australia must undergo self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • Employers are advised to assess the situation of any employees currently abroad and decide whether they should return.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and assess the current status of their employees abroad. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Australian government announced on March 15 that all international travelers to Australia now must enter a 14-day period of self-isolation. Additionally, a 30-day ban has been placed on cruise ships from foreign countries arriving at Australian ports.

Key points:

  • Australia extended its recent travel restrictions again to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
  • Previously, foreign nationals who had been in or transited through mainland China, Iran, Italy or South Korea were banned for 14 days from the time of their departures.
  • Australian nationals and permanent residents and their immediate family members are exempted from this requirement, though they must also self-isolate at home for 14 days from the time they departed China, Iran, Italy or South Korea.
  • The Australian government noted that these public health measures apply to all travelers intending to enter Australia and all who are intending to transit through Australia to other countries.
  • These measures will remain in effect until further notice.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Employers should also expect significant delays at this point for consular and in-country processing.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Australian Government has confirmed that COVID-19-related travel restrictions will now apply to travelers arriving from Italy. Entry restrictions also remain in place for travelers arriving from any part of mainland China, Iran or South Korea.

The restrictions apply to foreign nationals (not permanent residents of Australia) who have been in:

  • Mainland China on or after Feb. 1, 2020.
  • Iran on or after March 1, 2020.
  • Republic of Korea on or after March 5, 2020.
  • Italy on or after March 11, 2020.

The travel restrictions do not apply to Australian citizens, permanent residents, or immediate family members (spouses, de facto partners, minor dependents or legal guardians) of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Theses travelers will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Australia has expanded its COVID-19 entry ban to include foreign nationals traveling from South Korea. It has also mandated enhanced screening of travelers coming from Italy.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who have been in South Korea on or after March 5 will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days from the time they have left or transited through South Korea.
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependents only), though they will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left South Korea.
  • Australia will continue to deny entry to anyone who has left or transited through mainland China or Iran within the previous 14 days, with the exception of: Australian citizens and permanent residents, New Zealand citizens residing in Australia, immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents (including spouses, minor dependents and legal guardians) and diplomats. Airline and maritime crews may be eligible for limited exemptions, provided they comply with precautionary measures.
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents are advised not to travel to China, Iran and Daegu in South Korea.

Analysis & Comments: The extension of the previous entry ban to Iran, as well as the new entry ban affecting travel from South Korea, represent Australia’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Employers must be prepared to be flexible with employee schedules and start dates for employees who are affected by travel restrictions and delays. Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Australian government has extended entry restrictions for an additional week on foreign nationals who have recently been in mainland China. The restrictions will remain in place through Feb. 29.

Key Points:

  • The entry ban applies to foreign nationals who have been in mainland China in the past 14 days.
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians and dependent minor children).
  • Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families who have been in mainland China from Feb. 1, and who return to Australia, are required to self-isolate for 14 days from the day on which they leave the Chinese mainland.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.