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Coronavirus

Australian Passport Office Guidance on foreign vaccination certificates

Australian Passport Office Guidance on foreign vaccination certificates

As Australia’s border progressively reopens from 1 November 2021, more favourable entry rules may apply to certain arriving travellers who can prove they are fully vaccinated. To benefit from these arrangements, travellers vaccinated in Australia will need to present an Australian International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate.  Travellers vaccinated in other countries will be able to present certificates in formats that meet the following criteria:

  • Issued by a national or state/provincial-level authority or an accredited vaccination provider
  • Written in English or accompanied by a certified translation
  • Containing at a minimum:
    • name as it appears in the traveller’s passport
    • either date of birth or passport number
    • the vaccine brand name, and
    • the date of each dose or the date on which a full course of immunisation was completed.

Paper and digital certificates are equally acceptable.

For travellers to qualify as fully vaccinated, their certificates must show vaccines approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).  Current approved and recognised vaccines and dosages are:

  • Two doses at least 14 days apart of:
    • AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
    • AstraZeneca COVISHIELD
    • Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
    • Moderna Spikevax
    • Sinovac Coronavac
    • Bharat (Covaxin)
    • Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) (for ages 18-60 only)
  • Or one dose of:
    • Johnson & Johnson/Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.

Seven days must have passed since the final dose of vaccine in a course of immunisation. Mixed doses count towards being fully vaccinated as long as all vaccines are approved or recognised by the TGA.  Doses of Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) only count towards being fully vaccinated if administered when the traveller was aged from 18 to 60 years.

Travellers who have not been vaccinated with the above doses or schedule do not meet Australia’s definition of fully vaccinated.

All children aged under 12 years count as fully vaccinated for travel purposes. Special arrangements(link is external) apply for certain returning Australian children aged 12-17 years who are not fully vaccinated.

Travellers who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 because of a medical condition need to provide evidence. They should also check any requirements, particularly quarantine requirements, in the state or territory to which they are travelling.

The TGA is continuing to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines that may be recognised for the purposes of inbound travel to Australia in future.  Information on the latest approved and recognised vaccines is available on the TGA website.

Shortened brand names

Some certificates shorten the name of a vaccine brand compared to how it appears in the list above.  For instance, some certificates refer only to ‘Biontech’, ‘Comirnaty’, ‘AstraZeneca’ or ‘Johnson & Johnson’. This is acceptable.

A certificate is not acceptable if it includes the name or part name of a vaccine not currently approved or recognised by the TGA.

Special rules apply for Sinopharm brand names (see below).

 

Sinopharm brand names

There are two kinds of Sinopharm vaccine.  One is from Beijing and one from Wuhan, although both may also be produced at other locations.

Only the Beijing vaccine is recognised by the TGA. A certificate shows the Beijing vaccine if the brand name contains the expressions ‘BBIBP’, ‘BIBP’ or ‘Covilo’.

Sinopharm brand names can also include other expressions such as ‘Cor‑V’ and ‘Vero Cells’. These are not relevant to whether the vaccine is recognised by the TGA.

Examples of acceptable brand names on a vaccination certificate include:

  • Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV
  • Sinopharm BBIBP
  • Sinopharm BIBP-CorV
  • Sinopharm Covid Vaccine BIBP
  • Sinopharm Beijing
  • BBIBP-CorV
  • BBIBP (Vero Cells)
  • BIBP
  • BIBP-CorV
  • Sinopharm Covilo
  • Covilo

Examples of unacceptable brand names on a vaccination certificate include:

  • Sinopharm
  • Sinopharm WIBP
  • Sinopharm Wuhan

‘Sinopharm’ by itself is not acceptable on a certificate because there is no way of telling whether it refers to the Beijing or Wuhan vaccine.

If you are considering starting a new life adventure in Australia, now is a great time to commence the process to take advantage of early opportunities.

Contact us now for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

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It appears Australia’s economy has weathered the worst of the COVID-19 storm

It appears Australia’s economy has weathered the worst of the COVID-19 storm

Good news for the Australian economy as weekly job losses slow.  New employment data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows it appears Australia’s economy has weathered the worst of the COVID-19 storm.  The ABS is now releasing results fortnightly to more accurately account for the dramatic changes, with the latest figures showing the pace of job losses in the economy has started to slow.

Over the seven week period from mid-March (stage-two lockdown rules were enacted on March 22) to early May, total payrolls declined by 7.3 per cent. The steepest falls were in the two largest state economies, NSW and Victoria, where job losses totalled 7.7 per cent and 8.4 per cent respectively.

However the latest results show a further slowing in the fall in COVID-19 job losses between mid-April and early May.  Job numbers declined by 1.1 per cent for the week ended May 2, up slightly from 0.9 per cent in the week ended April 25.  

To illustrate the scale of the impact on Australia’s hospitality sector, job losses in the accommodation and food services sector totalled 27.1 per cent since mid-March.  But to the week ended April 11, job losses in that sector had reached 33.3 per cent.  

By age group, the under-20 bracket was hardest hit with losses amounting to 14.6 per cent over the seven-week time period.  The employment data follows some other tentative signs of recovery in the local jobs market, after data from UBS last week showed job ads were back on the rise.

With Australian states planning a phased return to business activity through to the end of June, total percentage job losses may continue declining in the weeks ahead.  

With Australia being one of the most successful countries in managing the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, our economy is likely to bounce back rapidly and earlier than most.  So if you are looking to position yourself for great opportunities and first mover advantage then Contact us for a confidential discussion and/or refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Coronavirus outbreak: The COVID-19 lessons from New Zealand and Australia

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3 STEP FRAMEWORK FOR A COVIDSAFE AUSTRALIA

3 STEP FRAMEWORK FOR A COVIDSAFE AUSTRALIA

On Friday the 8th of May 2020 Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison presented and released a roadmap to a COVID safe Australia 

National Cabinet has agreed to this three-step plan, which will enable Australia to safely reopen the Australian economy and community.

  • Step 1 will focus on carefully reopening the economy, giving Australians opportunities to return to work and social activities. This will include gatherings of up to 10 people, up to 5 visitors in the family home and some local and regional travel.
  • Step 2 builds on this with gatherings of up to 20 people andmore businesses reopening, including gyms, beauty services and entertainment venues.
  • Step 3 will see a transition to COVID safe ways of living and working, with gatherings of up to 100 people permitted. Arrangements under step 3 will be the ‘new normal’ while the virus remains a threat. International travel and mass gatherings over 100 people will remain restricted.

The plan is designed for Australian States and Territories to progress through in a way that suits their individual circumstances. 

National Cabinet’s goal is to have a sustainable COVID safe Australia in July 2020.  Click here for an infographic of the 3 step process

Now is a time to get ahead of the curve and take action to position yourself and gain first mover advantage for the boundless opportunities that will present themselves on the other side of this plan.

We are here to assist where we can, and look forward to the opportunity to help you secure a great opportunity and a new beginning.  Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

PM reveals three-stage plan for 'COVID-safe economy'

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Australia – Construction jobs to be central to Victoria’s post Covid-19 recovery

Australia – Construction jobs to be central to Victoria’s post Covid-19 recovery

Construction will be key to helping Victoria recover from the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic, premier Daniel Andrews says.  The Premier said on Monday big construction jobs across the state would become more important than ever.  “These construction jobs have always been important to me, and now they are more important than ever for every single Victorian,” he said.

“We have the biggest construction program in the state’s history, and it will need to get bigger once this crisis is over as we push out of what is a really significant shock to our economy.”  Mr Andrews said while the state had suffered “unavoidable damage” to the economy “construction will be a very big part to the recovery from the coronavirus crisis.”

It came as the Premier announced the early completion of the level crossing removal at the Toorak Rd and Monash Freeway interchange.  The site is one of the most congested intersections in Melbourne, with about 37,000 vehicles travelling through it each day in normal periods.

The road will reopen to motorists today after crews worked around the clock for nine days to complete the project.  The level crossing was the 35th to be removed under the Andrews government, with the Premier confident of hitting a government target of 50 level crossing removals by 2022.

Strict protocols are in place on all Major Transport Infrastructure Authority worksites to protect the health and safety of construction workers and the community.  “Work looks a little different on our big build – with extra physical distancing precautions in place due to coronavirus, so we can protect our workers and protect their jobs,” Mr Andrews said.

Transport Infrastructure minister Jacinta Allan said the level crossing removal was one of several significant construction projects continuing across the state.  They include the Metro Tunnel Project, the North East Link Project and the Regional Rail Revival program.

We anticipate government infrastructure projects will be high on the agenda for all states, territories and federal governments alike as a means to kick starting the economy when all of this is over.

If you are a tradie or a trade business owner looking for a new life adventure in Australia then we recommend getting in early and creating first mover advantage for when the gates open on the opportunities that will avail themselves.  Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.  Now is the perfect time to get things moving.

Introducing Melbourne & Victoria

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Boundless Opportunities

Boundless Opportunities

With the current COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, many of us are adjusting to what is, as opposed to our perception of what could have been if nothing had occurred.

From our own experiences with our amazing candidates, we understand the current tensions and anxieties people are feeling as a result of looking forward to potentially starting a new life adventure in a new country, to now being either excluded from society in lockdown or performing at the front line as an essential worker to help manage and overcome the pandemic, and the uncertainty these situations bring.

I have been searching for a message to share to help refocus our attention and intention and to make the most of the current circumstances, as we are certain on the other side of this there are going to be boundless opportunities.  That message was delivered to me via an email I believe encapsulates the very message I wanted to share, which I believe will be valuable to you and your loved ones.

The email I received was from world renowned Human Behavioral Specialist, Educator and Author Dr.  John Demartini, whom I consider to be the smartest guy on the planet.  For some time now I have subscribed to his teachings and technology and can only highly recommend him to you.  You can find him at www.DrDemartini.com  as well as a new facebook group titled “COVID-19 – Stay Inspired with Dr. Demartini”, a page dedicated to keeping you objective and inspired during this time. The email I received is reproduced below. 

The world is certainly undergoing transformation. With change often comes anxieties, the fear of loss of that which we seek and the fear of gain of that which we desire to avoid. The more centred, objective and neutral we are, the more resilient, adaptable and malleable we become to this temporary transformation. That is why sticking to high priority actions is wisdom.

One of the many questions I am currently receiving is what can I do today to reduce the potentially avoidable challenges associated with the Coronavirus?

Anything that enhances or optimizes your immune system would be warranted and wise.

  • Eating wisely,
  • Remain hygienic
  • Drinking fresh water,
  • Getting adequate rest,
  • Getting adequate sun exposure,
  • Balanced breathing deeply,
  • Filling your days with high priority actions,
  • Remaining objective more than irrational and
  • Identifying the many hidden upsides to any of the so-called downsides.

It is the challenges in life that often initiate great innovations, creative solutions and ingenious actions.

During this period of collective social challenge, it is possibly a time for even more determined action, a time for renewal, or a time for a new direction.

There is no crisis without a blessing, no challenge without an opportunity, no set back without a step forward and no experience that can’t initiate greater meaning.

It is not what happens to us that matters as much as how we respond to it.

We have control over our perceptions, decisions and actions – but not all of the many events or so-called circumstances around us. It is wise to continue to ask yourself what the highest priority action is that you can take in each moment.

It is wise to see how everything around us is ultimately on the way more than in the way.

Do not let so-called outer circumstances dictate your final outcomes.

Let the voice and the vision on the inside become greater than all opinions on the outside and you will become a master of your destiny more than a victim of your history.

Masters have foresight and create contingency plans while the masses often have hindsight and remain clueless with reaction.

Love and wisdom,
John

Dr. John Demartini
Human Behavioral Specialist, Educator and Author
www.DrDemartini.com

So in this time we recommend staying centered, objective and neutral, sticking to high priority actions and refocusing on what is and has been important to you.  Take this time to proactively go after what you have desired, secure in the knowledge it is a temporary set back and on the other side there are going to be boundless opportunities for you and your loved ones to pursue.

Now is a time to get ahead of the curve and take action to position yourself and gain first mover advantage for the boundless opportunities that will present themselves. We are here to assist where we can, and look forward to the opportunity to help you on your new life adventure.  Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Please feel free to share this with anyone you believe could benefit from it at this time.  Good luck and stay safe.

Coronavirus: Panic or Poise

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Australia – Update on Australian Government Covid-19 Immigration response

Australia – Update on Australian Government Covid-19 Immigration response

The situation

A travel ban is currently in place affecting non-citizens and non-residents of Australia, with limited concessions available for immediate family members of Australians and New Zealand Citizens usually resident in Australia. The Australian Government has provided further guidance on additional limited exemptions, including for individuals providing critical or essential services or on compassionate grounds.

Effective 09:00pm AEDT, Friday 20 March 2020, non-citizens and non-permanent residents were banned from entering Australia. Australian citizens, permanent residents and their direct family members are still permitted to enter Australia but are required to self-isolate for 14 days. New Zealand citizens who are usually resident in Australia are also permitted to enter, again with the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days.


A closer look

The Prime Minister has indicated that additional limited exemptions to the travel ban will be available focussed on individuals providing ‘critical or essential services or on compassionate grounds’.

The Department has now released the following additional limited guidance of circumstances where the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may consider an additional exemption in relation to the travel bans:

  • Foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Australian Commonwealth Government to assist in the COVID-19 response or whose entry would be in the national interest;
  • Critical medical services, including air ambulance and delivery of supplies, that regularly arrive into Australia from international ports;
  • Persons with critical skills (for example, medical specialists, engineers, marine pilots and crews) by exception;
  • Diplomats accredited to Australia and currently resident in Australia, and their immediate family;
  • Case-by-case exceptions may also be granted for humanitarian or compassionate reasons. This may include separation of immediate family members who are holders of temporary work (e.g. TSS) or other longer term visas.

In all cases, sufficient evidence must be provided in support of the request to exercise the discretion to grant relief in particular circumstances. Travel to Australia should not be attempted until the approval of the specific exemption.


Passengers transiting through Australia

Certain nationalities remain eligible to transit through Australia without a visa. For these passengers, the transits must occur on the same day as arrival and passengers must remain in the sterile transit area of the relevant Australian airport.

The Department has confirmed that:

  • The above transit exemptions do not apply to any foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, the republic of Korea or Italy in the last 14 days;
  • Foreign nationals departing New Zealand can only transit Australia to return home between 12:00 AEDST 21 March 2020 and 11:59 AEDST 24 March 2020. At the end of this period, this exemption is no longer valid; and
  • Citizens of the following Pacific countries can transit through Australia to return home: Cook Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, Kiribati, Niue, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Palau Tuvalu, Micronesia Papua, New Guinea and Vanuatu.

The Virus: updates on COVID-19 for 20 March | ABC News

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Australia – Coronavirus Update

Australia implements a new temporary travel restriction effecting all travellers arriving from, or who have transited mainland China

The Australian Government has announced that all travellers seeking to travel to Australia from any part of mainland China, regardless of nationality, will be subject to enhanced border control measures to address the public health risks associated with the global outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus.  Australia will deny travel to or entry into Australia to anyone who has left or transited mainland China from 1 February 2020 with limited exceptions.

Following the declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the outbreak of a new Coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Australian Government has announced temporary new measures including travel restrictions on all nationalities who have left or transited through mainland China on or after 1 February 2020.  The new measures mean that Australia will deny travel to or entry into Australia to anyone who has left or transited mainland China from 1 February 2020, with the exception of:

  • Australian citizens
  • Australian permanent residents
  • Immediate family members of Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents including spouses, minor dependents and legal guardians; and
  • Airline and maritime crew, where appropriate precautionary measures have been taken

The travel restriction, implemented as a public health precaution, will apply to those seeking to enter Australia as well as those seeking transit through Australia on route   to a third country.  The travel restriction only applies to anyone who has left or transited mainland China from 1 February 2020.  It does not apply to anyone who has travelled to or transited the special administrative regions of Hong Kong or Macau.  The new measures are temporary.  The Australian Government will review these measures in 14 days.  As a further precaution to the spread of the new Coronavirus, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has raised the level of travel advice for mainland China to ‘Do not Travel’.

Any temporary visa holder who has left or transited mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 will be unable to travel to Australia until further notice.   We understand that any temporary visa holder in this situation seeking to travel to Australia may have their visa cancelled.   However, arrangements will be made to reinstate visas as appropriate following the lifting of these enhanced border control measures.

We recommend that clients assess whether staff have left or transited mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 before making travel arrangements.  This measure is likely to disrupt some individuals seeking to travel to Australia to take up assignments holding subclass 400 (Temporary Work) or subclass 482 (Temporary Skills Shortage) visas and travel arrangements would need to be postponed for these individuals.   In addition, if any existing temporary visa holders may have travelled to or through China, for example due to the Chinese New Year celebrations, they would also be unable to return to their assignments at this time. 

There have been no announcements as to the impact of visa processing of Australian visas  however employers should plan for delays in processing and potential requests for further information.  Student visa holders are subject to these measures and will be unable to return to Australia. We understand educational institutions are providing guidance to new and returning students and student visa holders should contact their educational institution

Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and their immediate family, who have left or transited mainland China on or after 1 February 2020, will still be able to travel to and enter Australia.  However, the Australian Government have announced that those individuals will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the time they left mainland China.

Scott Morrison announces travel ban on Chinese tourists entering Australia amid Coronavirus outbreak

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