No confirmation if Australia’s borders would reopen to int’l students on Dec. 15

International students looking for updates on Australia international borders: Australia’s National Cabinet meeting today provided no specific date on the country’s international border reopening, but reports suggest the country’s borders could still reopen to international students and skilled workers next week. 

In a statement, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “The Commonwealth continues to welcome Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families, New Zealand citizens, Singaporean citizens and other cohorts of travellers already approved for travel, including seasonal workers and international student pilots.” 

According to The Guardian, Morrison said his government was inclined to reopen to international students and skilled workers on December 15.

When asked on Friday whether the borders would open on that date, Morrison said the government was “taking more advice at the moment, but that is certainly our disposition”. He planned to “keep moving forward, not to go back.”

Despite Morrison’s upbeat message, the federal government has decided some measures need to remain in place for longer, said The Guardian.

There is no confirmation that Australia’s international borders would reopen next week. Source: Christina Quicler/AFP

Australia international borders: Settings will be made with a “suppression strategy”

Morrison said the National Cabinet had noted the steps taken by the Commonwealth to adjust Australia’s international border settings in a manner consistent with a suppression strategy, and proportionate to the current health information on Omicron.

“As more evidence relating to disease severity, transmissibility and vaccine effectiveness becomes available, the Commonwealth will continue to consider Australia’s international border settings in a manner consistent with a suppression strategy,” he said.

The country had previously delayed Australia’s border reopening from December 1 to the 15th following concerns over the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt previously said he wasn’t making any guarantees Australia will reopen its border to international students and visa holders in mid-December.

This is a stark contrast to Trade and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan, who said the reopening of Australia’s international border to overseas students and skilled migrants is “on track” to take place on December 15.

The National Cabinet will meet again in February 2022.