Omari Gates
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia was among a small number of countries that continued to rely on border restrictions as the primary pandemic response. Australian citizens and permanent residents were only allowed to leave the country for a few reasons, including urgent personal business, compassionate or humanitarian grounds, and critical industries and business. The process for obtaining permission to leave the country was often murky and arbitrary, with approval rates depending on the decision-maker in Home Affairs or the Australian Border Force. Some people, such as those who usually live overseas or are travelling for essential work, did not require permission to leave.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People who can leave without permission | People who usually live overseas, aircraft crew or maintenance staff, freight workers, those with “essential work at an offshore facility in Australian waters”, those travelling on official government business, and those travelling directly to New Zealand |
| Reasons for exemption | Compassionate or humanitarian grounds, urgent and unavoidable personal business, and conduct of critical industries and business, including exports and imports |
| Number of applications | 116,520 travel exemption applications |
| Number of approvals | 40,830 exemptions approved since restrictions began in March |
| Number of denials | 13,310 denied |
| Remaining applications | Withdrawn requests and those without sufficient information for consideration |
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What You'll Learn
Travel exemptions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian citizens and permanent residents were only allowed to leave the country for specific reasons. Some people, such as aircraft crew, freight workers, and those travelling on official government business, did not require permission to leave Australia. However, most people needed to obtain a travel exemption. Between March 25 and August 31, there were 116,520 travel exemption applications, with 40,830 citizens and residents cleared to leave. The top three categories with the most applications were: compassionate or humanitarian grounds, urgent and unavoidable personal business, and the conduct of critical industries and business.
The process for obtaining a travel exemption was not always clear, and decisions seemed to depend on the individual decision-maker in Home Affairs or the Australian Border Force. This led to allegations of racial bias, with approval rates varying significantly depending on the travellers' origin country. For example, only 7.17% of requests from India were approved, compared to 30.73% from South Africa.
The specific reasons for granting travel exemptions also changed over time. Before September 30, 2020, "travelling overseas for at least three months" fell under the "urgent and unavoidable personal business" category. This changed on January 8, 2021, to "travelling overseas for a compelling reason for at least three months".
The Australian government's travel restrictions during the pandemic were among the strictest in the world, and even as vaccines became widely available, Australia continued to rely primarily on border restrictions to control the pandemic. This led to criticism and frustration from those wishing to leave the country.
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Urgent personal business
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Australian citizens and permanent residents cannot leave Australia unless they have an exemption. One of the grounds for an exemption is urgent and unavoidable personal business.
Between March 25 and August 31, there were 116,520 travel exemption applications, with 40,830 citizens and residents cleared to leave. Urgent and unavoidable personal business was one of the top three categories with the most applications.
To apply for an exemption, you must do so at least two weeks but not more than three months before your planned travel. You must provide evidence to support your claims, and requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided.
Examples of urgent personal business include a 23-year-old PhD student who secured an exemption to leave for a three-year research position in France, and a couple who returned to the UK where they had work visas.
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Humanitarian grounds
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian citizens and permanent residents could only leave the country for specific reasons, including urgent personal business, compassionate or humanitarian grounds, and critical industries and business. Between March 25 and August 31, there were 116,520 travel exemption applications, with 40,830 citizens and residents cleared to leave, and 13,310 denied.
The Australian Border Force has approved exemptions for those travelling on compassionate or humanitarian grounds. Examples of such grounds include Frances Buckland-Willis, a PhD student in radio astronomy, who secured an exemption to leave for a three-year research position in France. Another example is the case of Sav and Tara Ratu, an Australian couple who flew back to the UK, where they have work visas, after their initial plans to return were disrupted by COVID-19.
The process of obtaining an exemption to leave Australia on humanitarian grounds can be murky and arbitrary, with approval rates reminiscent of those for travel exemptions to enter the country, which sparked allegations of racial bias. The decision-making process depends on the individual in Home Affairs or the Australian Border Force and how they choose to exercise their discretion, with little oversight or opportunity for appeal.
For those seeking to leave Australia on humanitarian grounds, it is recommended to provide proof of healthcare at the destination, relationship status, and employment status. Additionally, obtaining a draft ticket from a flight centre with a flight number and intended date can support the application, as approval to leave does not need to be tied to a specific date.
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Dual citizenship
Australia recognises dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold Australian citizenship while holding citizenship of another country. However, it is important to note that not all countries allow dual citizenship, and the laws governing dual nationality vary across nations. Prospective dual citizens should carefully research the regulations of their countries of interest before initiating the citizenship application process.
When travelling, dual citizens should be aware of the specific requirements and potential challenges they may encounter. While travelling to or from Australia, dual citizens are advised to use their Australian passport. Using a foreign passport may result in difficulties or delays when entering Australia, as airlines may not allow boarding without evidence of Australian citizenship or an Australian passport. Once outside of Australia, dual citizens can use the passport of their other country of citizenship. However, it is important to recognise that doing so may limit the ability of the Australian government to provide consular assistance in the event of an emergency.
When considering dual citizenship, it is advisable to seek guidance from official government sources, such as immigration websites or consulates, to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations of all countries involved. Each country has its own set of rules and requirements for obtaining and maintaining citizenship, and it is the responsibility of the individual to navigate these complexities.
In conclusion, while Australia permits dual citizenship, individuals should be mindful of the potential advantages and challenges that come with holding multiple citizenships. By staying informed and proactive, dual citizens can effectively navigate the complexities of their status and fully enjoy the benefits associated with their citizenships.
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Border restrictions
Australia has imposed strict border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a federal government travel ban in place that limits the reasons for Australian citizens and permanent residents to leave the country. The Australian Border Force has been approving travel exemptions, but the process has been criticised as murky and arbitrary, with approval rates varying depending on the decision-maker and the destination country.
To obtain an exemption, citizens must provide reasons for their travel, which fall into specific categories. The top three categories with the most applications are: compassionate or humanitarian grounds; urgent and unavoidable personal business; and conduct of critical industries and business, including exports and imports. Other reasons for exemptions include having essential work at an offshore facility in Australian waters, travelling on official government business, and travelling directly to New Zealand.
The process for obtaining an exemption has been characterised as lacking clarity and transparency. Applicants have reported difficulties in understanding the requirements and providing the necessary documentation. There is also no option for dual citizens to leave without renouncing their Australian citizenship or obtaining an exemption. The high cost of quarantining Australians returning from overseas has also been cited as a reason for the strict border restrictions.
The Australian government's reliance on border restrictions as a primary pandemic response has resulted in a small number of exemptions being granted compared to other countries. Between March 25 and August 31, 2020, there were 116,520 travel exemption applications, with 40,830 citizens and residents cleared to leave, while 13,310 people were denied. The approval rate has increased in recent weeks, with Border Force approving more exemptions and responding to applications more quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian citizens and permanent residents can only leave the country for specific reasons, including urgent personal business, compassionate or humanitarian reasons, and critical industries and business. People who usually live overseas, aircraft crew, freight workers, and those with essential work in Australian waters are exempt from these restrictions.
To leave Australia, citizens must apply for a travel exemption. Applications can be made on various grounds, including urgent personal business, compassionate or humanitarian reasons, and critical industries and business. The Australian Border Force has released operational directives to clarify how departure exemptions are granted.
The time it takes to get approved to leave Australia can vary. Some people have reported waiting several weeks for a reply, while others have received approval within a shorter timeframe. The approval process is dependent on various factors, including the reason for travel, the length of stay, and the destination country.
Yes, some individuals with dual citizenship have reported using their non-Australian passport to leave the country without obtaining a travel exemption. However, this approach may not be feasible for everyone, and the processes may have tightened since early 2020. It is essential to research and follow the latest official guidelines.
