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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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Australia’s International Border Reopening – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Australia’s International Border Reopening – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

From the 1st of November Australia’s international border is reopening and fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 12 and over may travel again internationally without having to apply for an exemption to leave or enter the country.

To qualify as fully vaccinated, a vaccine must be approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This includes two doses at least 14 days apart of: AstraZeneca Vaxzevria, Covishield, Pfizer/BioNtech Comirnaty, Moderna Spikevax or Sinovac Coronavac, or one dose of Janssen-Cilag Covid vaccine.  Children under 12 and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons will also be able to travel overseas without an exemption.

Smart Traveller has removed its global “Do not travel” advisory and has updated travel advice levels for 177 destinations based on the latest risk assessments related to Covid-19 and other threats to safety and security. At this stage, no destination will be set lower than Level 2, which is “Exercise a high degree of caution”.  Accordingly prior to making arrangements and bookings it is worth considering the following:

  • What are Australia’s exit and re-entry requirements?
  • What are the requirements of your destination country?
  • What is your tolerance and budget for potential disruption caused by Covid-19?

Pre-departure:

To travel internationally without an exemption you must show your International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) at check-in when departing Australia.   At check-in, everyone who is five years of age or older must give proof of a negative Covid-19 (PCR) molecular test provided by a laboratory to be done no more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure of the first leg of your return flight to Australia. This is required in addition to the Covid-19 vaccine.

A negative PCR test result certificate will still be valid if your flight is delayed longer than the 72-hour window, but if the flight is rescheduled or cancelled, you will need to take a new test no more than 72 hours before the new flight.

Re-entry:

The Australian government regulates visas and exemptions, but state and territory governments regulate quarantine (and other inbound health related requirements). Therefore, even when you can leave Australia without an exemption, you must keep up to date with your state’s rules for your return.

From Monday, fully vaccinated returning Australians will not be required to quarantine in hotels or at home on arrival into NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Children under 12 will not be treated as unvaccinated.  

If you arrive from overseas directly into another state, at this stage you will still be directed into mandatory hotel quarantine. Tasmania will open its borders on 15 December and South Australia has announced a slow reduction of restrictions starting on 23 November.

Queensland has a very cautious reopening plan that will evolve as vaccination targets are reached. The Northern Territory has a home quarantine plan, for interstate arrivals, to begin around 23 November. Western Australia has not announced its reopening plan.

Outbound – Where can you go?

As travel restrictions ease, Australians are showing the most interest in travelling to Fiji, Singapore, Thailand, Bali, the US and UK. Quarantine-free travel from New Zealand to Australia will resume from Monday.

Fiji:

From 1 December, Fiji is reopening its borders to fully vaccinated tourists (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen), aged 18 and above, from Australia and a select group of countries, including the US and New Zealand. At check-in, everyone aged 12 and above must give proof of a negative RT-PCR result from a test taken within three days of departure. On arrival, all travellers must download careFIJI onto their phones and head straight to their hotel, where they will spend their first two days, with access to all hotel amenities. After a negative rapid antigen (swab) test, taken after 48 hours, they will have access to a range of tourist-appropriate areas throughout the country.

United States:

The US has changed its vaccination requirements for non-US citizens entering the country. In the past, since Australia was considered a low-risk country for Covid-19, Australians did not have to be vaccinated to travel to the US. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now states that, starting on 8 November, all non-US citizens aged 18 and above coming into the US by air must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before travel with any of the following Federal Drug Administration-approved vaccines: Pfizer/BioNtech Comirnaty, Moderna and Janssen; or World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing vaccines (including Australian-made AstraZeneca Vaxzevria).

All inbound air travellers aged two and older, regardless of citizenship, must show a negative Covid-19 test result. The timing of this test depends on vaccination status and age, something that is particularly relevant for travelling families. At check-in, fully vaccinated adults, and their accompanying children aged between two and 17, must give proof of a negative PCR result for Covid-19 from a test taken no more than three days before departure.

Alternatively, you can provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider showing recovery from Covid-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. No quarantine will be required, but the CDC will issue an order directing airlines to collect travellers’ contact details for a contact tracing system that is yet to be outlined. International travellers are also still recommended to get a test three to five days after arrival regardless of vaccination status, and some US states make this a requirement.

Singapore:

Vaccinated Australians will be able to travel to Singapore quarantine-free from 8 November. Starting on Monday you can apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass to enter as a short-term visitor under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL). You must show proof you are fully vaccinated at least two weeks before travel (children under 12 travelling with family are exempt). You will also be required to take a PCR test on arrival at Singapore airport and remain in isolation until a negative result is received. You must have travel insurance that covers Covid-19 medical treatment and hospital costs. For the moment, only Singapore Airlines is operating VTL flights.

UK:

The UK recently scrapped its traffic light country system and will remove its red list of countries on Monday so that all fully vaccinated international travellers will no longer have to quarantine in a hotel. The UK recognises Australian Pfizer/BioNtech Comirnaty, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines. Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to show a negative test result before departing for the UK, although currently all airlines operating in and out of Australia are requiring passengers to take PCR tests before leaving. You must fill in a contact locator form before arriving in the UK and prebook a Covid-19 test to be taken before the end of day two after your arrival. Specific rules vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Thailand:

Thailand is a bit of a grey area because, while the country is opening to Australia and 45 other “low risk” nations on Monday, the current advice on the Smart Traveller site is at Level 3 (“Reconsider your need to travel”). There are currently limited direct flights to Thailand but Thai Airways has announced an increase in flights starting on 17 November as well as nonstop Sydney to Phuket flights three times a week and daily Sydney to Bangkok flights starting on 8 December. Things are changing fast, so it is worth checking for updates regularly.

Fully vaccinated travellers (Australia’s Pfizer/BioNtech Comirnaty, Moderna and AstraZeneca Vaxzevria all approved) arriving by air will need to show proof of vaccination no less than 14 days before departure (children under 12 are exempt), a medical certificate with a negative result of a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, and proof of a fully paid booking for their first night’s stay at government-approved hotels to wait for a negative result from a PCR test taken upon arrival. With negative results, travellers can go anywhere in Thailand. All travellers must register their details at the Thailand Travel Pass website at least seven days before departure and purchase a minimum per person US$50,000 travel insurance to cover medical expenses, including Covid-19 treatment.

Bali:

Bali has recently opened to fully vaccinated travellers from 19 countries, who must quarantine in hotels for five days and follow strict visa requirements under new entry rules. Australia is not one of them, although there are indications that it will soon be added. But there are currently no direct flights from anywhere in Australia.

Potential disruptions:

It is important to remember that most airlines are adding their own requirements in addition to those of destination countries. All are requiring mask-wearing in airports and for the duration of flights, except when you are eating. For flights to and from the US this applies to children as young as two. All airlines operating into and out of Australia are also requiring PCR tests and in some instances you may be asked to take a rapid antigen test requiring a negative result before you board. You also need to factor in the extra time and hassle with all the Covid-related checks while travelling.

Insurance:

Finding travel insurance that will cover Covid-related medical expenses overseas and cancellations due to Covid illness, not to mention lockdowns or government restrictions, is a monumental task. Suffice to say, there will likely be tears and unexpected costs involved.

Covid-related risks:

You also need to factor in the risk of getting Covid-19 while travelling overseas and the costs involved of extending your stay in a hotel or managed facility, or, in the worst case, an ICU in a foreign hospital, until you can get a negative test and return to Australia.

And it is always possible that another international outbreak will occur while you are overseas and Australia will close its borders again. You will need enough resilience and a significant budget set aside to allow for an extended overseas sojourn.

For peace of mind, in these constantly changing circumstances, it may be worth using the services of a travel agent. They are not only across all the latest travel logistics and government requirements but are also equipped to help with refunds should you have to cancel or change your travel plans.

At this point in time there are approximately 35,000 Australian Citizens and Premanent Residents stranded overseas, awaiting repatriation into Australia and this is going to take some time.  This, along with the variance in Australia’s State Border restrictions will have a significant impact on skilled migration for oversees workers, however once the backlog is cleared and a more consistent State Border policy is implemented then free access will eventuate.

If you are desirous of starting a new life adventure in Australia then Contact us 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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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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