Koreans Can Now Travel to Australia... "Entry Allowed for Fully Vaccinated from Next Month 1st"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The Australian government has decided to allow entry for Koreans who have completed COVID-19 vaccination starting from next month on the 1st.

With the partial easing of border closure policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March last year, it is expected that tourism to Australia, as well as studying and working locally, will significantly increase.

According to Australia's public broadcaster ABC on the 22nd, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison held a press conference in the capital Canberra and stated, "Following the allowance of entry for Singaporeans from the 21st, from December 1st, we will welcome Koreans and Japanese who have completed vaccination."

He said, "They will need to present proof of entry visa, vaccination, and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days before departure from their home country."

Prime Minister Morrison also announced that holders of 'Eligible Visas' who have completed COVID-19 vaccination will be allowed entry without separate permission.

'Eligible Visas' include skilled, employment, study, and working holiday visas, so it is expected that the entry of holders of these visas into Australia will become active.

Morrison evaluated, "The return of skilled workers and talented students (coming from Korea) is a significant step in our process of returning Australia to the pre-COVID-19 state."

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews also emphasized, "This change is very important in the process of restarting Australia's economy," adding, "About 200,000 foreigners are expected to enter. We will allow as many people as possible."

The Australian government expects that the entry of international students, including Koreans, will become full-scale as early as the beginning of next year.

Senator Simon Birmingham stressed, "International students will be able to attend school starting next year," and "We will actively encourage international students to make plans to enter Australia."

The Australian government also expressed expectations that the economy will be further revitalized with the allowance of Korean entries.

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Sky News that day, "International students and skilled overseas workers play a key role in our economy," adding, "The economic value of international students amounts to 40 billion Australian dollars (approximately 34 trillion Korean won)."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Morrison emphasized, "The vaccination rate for Australians aged 16 and over has exceeded 85%," and "Now we must take important steps forward for economic recovery."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.