Australian Immigration Daily News

A significant step-up to Australia’s national response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has been endorsed by the National Cabinet, comprising the Prime Minister, State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers.

Based on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the National Cabinet agreed that our core objective now is to slow the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia by taking additional steps to reduce community transmission.

We must ensure our health system can care for the most vulnerable, in particular the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

From Monday the 16th March 2020, the largest CPD provider in the Registered Migration Agent profession, Legal Training Australia, will suspend all face-to-face CPD events to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In an email today, Saturday the 14th March, the Director, Liana Allan stated that all 10 point blitzes will now be run online.  

Legal Training Australia also stated it has put on more online CPD webinars to cater for the increase in demand for online classes.  "Pay-after-you-pass" distance learning CPD is also stated as an option for Registered Migration Agents.

I know everyone out there is very understandably extremely concerned about the novel corona virus and its impacts on our ability to carry on work and normal day to day activities!! 

To all who read this, I wish you to stay well!!!

Amidst the cascade of scary news, I did want to bring to everyone's attention an important new decision from the Full Court, handed down yesterday that showed up today on the Federal Court's Website, Babar v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs (2020) FCAFC 38 (12 March 2020).

12 March 2020

Today, AHPPC considered travel restrictions to additional countries and regions including Europe, and has advised that the current travel restrictions for people returning from mainland China, Iran, Republic of Korea and Italy are appropriate.

The Government will continue to follow the advice of AHPPC and will not be expanding travel restrictions at this time.

Based on the current global situation, further travel restrictions are unlikely to be of significant benefit in limiting community transmission of COVID-19 in Australia. The enhanced screening measures at the Australian border and strict isolation requirements have been effective in containing the virus and limiting community transmission.