Australia is
planning to introduce special visas for skilled workers from foreign countries
in a bid to quickly relocate workers within its economy that is suffering on
account of the curbs put in place to contain COVID-19. The special visas are
meant to streamline entry requirements for workers with skill-sets critical for
Australian businesses. Nearly 500 exemptions are expected to be granted to
holders of the “Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Event”. These visas are
expected to be granted over the next 10 months.

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“This government’s
initiatives to bring top talent to Australia are cementing our economic
recovery,” Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews told Bloomberg. Upon
being asked about the fate of Australians stuck abroad, the minister said, “returning
Australians remain the priority, however this automatic travel exemption
recognises the importance of significant investment.”

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The Australian
government’s visa exemptions for skilled non-Australian workers will be
restricted to businesses deemed by the Global Business Attraction Taskforce as
likely to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy. Those who
arrive by these special visas will need to meet all health requirements and
quarantine protocols instituted by the Australian government.

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Minister Karen
Andrews expect the workers coming in via these relaxed conditions to bring in
new skills and investment to Australia’s pandemic-hit economy. “They’re adding
to our economy, generating new jobs, and contributing to our tax base so we can
continue to provide the essential services Australian’s rely on,” the minister
said.

In March 2021,
when the COVID-19 pandemic had only reared its ugly head, Australia went for a
ban on non-citizens and non-residents from entering the nation. Australia’s strict
curbs earned it the nickname “Fortress Australia”. But divorced from the world,
Australian businesses suffered acute labour shortages.

In recent months
as the Delta variant spread through the country, the Australian government
slashed international travel by half and barred non-resident citizens from
leaving the country to reduce pressure on the quarantine system which was
already under strain. Right now, nearly half of Australia’s population is in
lockdown and more than 1,500 people are testing positive for COVID-19 every
day.