Aust govt removes outbound travel ban exemption for overseas residents

[Flashback]

Haven't checked exactly with him yet but he can't leave his business for 3 months. But even then, that 3 months had a rider on it 'for significant reason' or similar so they even threw the 3 months under the bus.

Surely he has to be +3 months otherwise it wouldn't have been granted?

 

[Le Clair]

I wonder what the position of, say, the Home Office or the US State Department is on a foreign government detaining their citizens on no charge or even suspicion of having committed any act which would justify any, let alone indefinite, detention.
This is Soviet era stuff. Hmmm...maybe I can defect to Free West.

 

[Musongman]

I have been considering return travel to Sydney since the end of 2019. Alas, I have left it too late, due in part to my poor health at times, and the Covid-19 dilemma. I really think the latest Govt. decree is draconian and surely against our civil rights as Australians. I would like to return to finalize some personal business and say farewell to friends and family whom I may never see again, as my life-span is tapering now. Can I last until this ridiculousness subsides? Quelle tragedie! :-(

 

[dajop]

I have been considering return travel to Sydney since the end of 2019. Alas, I have left it too late, due in part to my poor health at times, and the Covid-19 dilemma. I really think the latest Govt. decree is draconian and surely against our civil rights as Australians. I would like to return to finalize some personal business and say farewell to friends and family whom I may never see again, as my life-span is tapering now. Can I last until this ridiculousness subsides? Quelle tragedie! :-(

Wait a few weeks, and see what the actual impact is. I'll be applying for an exemption, as a not ordinarily resident Australian, in a couple of weeks time.

Two things give me hope - one this could be a way of streamlining exits. Frankly it was a PITA exiting with an automatic exemption - the process seemed quite random (took me 45 mins in January as check-in spoke to 3 different border force people). Also don't forget the current federal government's core strength is spin - I would expect this tells a great story for consumption by the general public, and no-one (in the media) will actually follow up to check whether it has any effect on people permanently living overseas being granted exemptions or not.

 

[Seat0B]

Wait a few weeks, and see what the actual impact is. I'll be applying for an exemption, as a not ordinarily resident Australian, in a couple of weeks time.

Two things give me hope - one this could be a way of streamlining exits. Frankly it was a PITA exiting with an automatic exemption - the process seemed quite random (took me 45 mins in January as check-in spoke to 3 different border force people). Also don't forget the current federal government's core strength is spin - I would expect this tells a great story for consumption by the general public, and no-one (in the media) will actually follow up to check whether it has any effect on people permanently living overseas being granted exemptions or not.

I hope you’re right @dajop. It won’t help us as Seat Son’s work obligations will mean he cannot now even think about a trip home until 2022 at the earliest. But I hope it helps others.

 

[Andrew1]

Hi

I am in quarantine in Adelaide at present after returning to Australia for my parents 60th anniversary who I haven't seen in two years. I will spend the two weeks in quarantineand was planning to go home at the end of August. I have lived and work in Zurich for the last 11 years and that is where my wife and family are as well as my only home. I applied to leave through the website on Friday as soon as I found out about the change and got a rejection today. I will obviously apply again and will get a letter from my employer but this change has literally happened after I had landed in Australia. I get that I'm not what they are prioritising now but I applied to travel and was accepted. Not sure where to from here other than reapply and maybe a lawyer bit it is extremely worrying and providing a high level of stress.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Hi

I am in quarantine in Adelaide at present after returning to Australia for my parents 60th anniversary who I haven't seen in two years. I will spend the two weeks in quarantineand was planning to go home at the end of August. I have lived and work in Zurich for the last 11 years and that is where my wife and family are as well as my only home. I applied to leave through the website on Friday as soon as I found out about the change and got a rejection today. I will obviously apply again and will get a letter from my employer but this change has literally happened after I had landed in Australia. I get that I'm not what they are prioritising now but I applied to travel and was accepted. Not sure where to from here other than reapply and maybe a lawyer bit it is extremely worrying and providing a high level of stress.

That’s crazy - I would have thought if you supplied the info they stipulated i.e. proof of residency overseas, drivers license etc it would be automatic. I think a letter from your employer would do the trick.

huge sympathy and do let us know what happens!

 

[mviy]

You’ll need to prepare a stat dec and provide detailed proof that your life is overseas, preferably insufficient leave left for another trip home anytime soon, letter from employer needed back overseas etc.

You could mention that the rules changed after you arrived here and had you known this change was coming would have reconsidered the need for the trip.

You should state in your stat dec that you have no plans to return to Australia for several months at least or even longer.

Stay factual in the stat dec.

 

[dajop]

Hi

I am in quarantine in Adelaide at present after returning to Australia for my parents 60th anniversary who I haven't seen in two years. I will spend the two weeks in quarantineand was planning to go home at the end of August. I have lived and work in Zurich for the last 11 years and that is where my wife and family are as well as my only home. I applied to leave through the website on Friday as soon as I found out about the change and got a rejection today. I will obviously apply again and will get a letter from my employer but this change has literally happened after I had landed in Australia. I get that I'm not what they are prioritising now but I applied to travel and was accepted. Not sure where to from here other than reapply and maybe a lawyer bit it is extremely worrying and providing a high level of stress.

What category did you apply under?

I understand that the website was not updated on Friday, but now has been to include the category "Ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia". The Age reports that several people submitted applications on "compassionate and compelling grounds" have had their applications rejected, but also report the application form had not been updated to include the additional category.

But if you did already apply under the new category, that is cause for concern. If not, worth trying again, the suggestions are that a stat dec is not required but various pieces of evidence of your life overseas, including foreign government issued ID, lease documents, utility bills and employment contract overseas.

 

[mviy]

If you can prove that you'll be leaving and staying away for at least several months I think you should be able to get an exemption though it could take multiple attempts.

What they don't want is people coming back repeatedly for holidays taking places away from those looking to come home permanently. There are some media reports of some people having come back home for several holidays during the pandemic.

 

[focusedbear]

The rule changes are disgustingly arbitrary and provide no certainty. And that's perhaps the intention of deterring people from returning, with the burden of proof falling on the applicant. Now, suppose you obtain a visa to study/work overseas and you aren't granted an exception to leave, what happens? The machinery should not be some black box.

And the article mentioned above:

Australians who live abroad denied permission to return overseas despite promises

A sudden rule change last week has caught out many Australians who ordinarily live overseas, contradicting assurances made by the Home Affairs Minister days ago.

www.smh.com.au

 

[dajop]

Hi

I am in quarantine in Adelaide at present after returning to Australia for my parents 60th anniversary who I haven't seen in two years. I will spend the two weeks in quarantineand was planning to go home at the end of August. I have lived and work in Zurich for the last 11 years and that is where my wife and family are as well as my only home. I applied to leave through the website on Friday as soon as I found out about the change and got a rejection today. I will obviously apply again and will get a letter from my employer but this change has literally happened after I had landed in Australia. I get that I'm not what they are prioritising now but I applied to travel and was accepted. Not sure where to from here other than reapply and maybe a lawyer bit it is extremely worrying and providing a high level of stress.

OK, one more piece of info that should definitely help you, I've noticed a "grandfathering" provision has been added to the website:

Transitional period until 7 September 2021


Until 7 September 2021, travellers who arrive at the airport without an exemption, will be allowed to travel if their status as ordinarily resident overseas can be confirmed by an ABF officer at departure. These travellers will be advised that for future travel they will need to apply for an exemption in advance through the travel exemptions portal.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi

I am in quarantine in Adelaide at present after returning to Australia for my parents 60th anniversary who I haven't seen in two years. I will spend the two weeks in quarantineand was planning to go home at the end of August. I have lived and work in Zurich for the last 11 years and that is where my wife and family are as well as my only home. I applied to leave through the website on Friday as soon as I found out about the change and got a rejection today. I will obviously apply again and will get a letter from my employer but this change has literally happened after I had landed in Australia. I get that I'm not what they are prioritising now but I applied to travel and was accepted. Not sure where to from here other than reapply and maybe a lawyer bit it is extremely worrying and providing a high level of stress.

My friend is in the same position as you - they submitted their form today and noticed a new box has been added since last week labeled 'ordinarily resident overseas'.

So that might make a difference if you resubmit.

Edited to add - I see others have posted to confirm this change... I was on the phone to that friend since dajop's post 15 mins ago.

 

[roogirl]

Hi

I am in quarantine in Adelaide at present after returning to Australia for my parents 60th anniversary who I haven't seen in two years. I will spend the two weeks in quarantineand was planning to go home at the end of August. I have lived and work in Zurich for the last 11 years and that is where my wife and family are as well as my only home. I applied to leave through the website on Friday as soon as I found out about the change and got a rejection today. I will obviously apply again and will get a letter from my employer but this change has literally happened after I had landed in Australia. I get that I'm not what they are prioritising now but I applied to travel and was accepted. Not sure where to from here other than reapply and maybe a lawyer bit it is extremely worrying and providing a high level of stress.

This is terrifying. Am so sorry. Did they give you a reason for denial in your application?

It’s beyond appalling how this requirement has been introduced.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

This is terrifying. Am so sorry. Did they give you a reason for denial in your application?

It’s beyond appalling how this requirement has been introduced.

The exemption application forms have been updated as of today. They now include a box 'ordinarily resident overseas'. That should streamline approvals.

 

[Flying mermaid]

This is terrifying. Am so sorry. Did they give you a reason for denial in your application?

It’s beyond appalling how this requirement has been introduced.

Sounds like it is a bit of a problem with the correct form not being available yet….

 

[rocketboy]

I hope the transitional amendment is some relief for people like @Andrew1 who have already arrived in Australia. I was due to leave for Sydney in 2 weeks. Was to be first trip back in 20 months and although I believe I meet the exemption requirements in terms of residency (ironically out of necessity), I’m not prepared to run the risk and stress of arbitrary rejection. But thankfully I can make that choice before I travel, disappointing as it is. Next option is to rebook in December. Fingers are crossed. It will mean Xmas in quarantine but the joy will be afterwards when I see my family again. Stay safe everyone.

 

[Seat0B]

I hope the transitional amendment is some relief for people like @Andrew1 who have already arrived in Australia. I was due to leave for Sydney in 2 weeks. Was to be first trip back in 20 months and although I believe I meet the exemption requirements in terms of residency (ironically out of necessity), I’m not prepared to run the risk and stress of arbitrary rejection. But thankfully I can make that choice before I travel, disappointing as it is. Next option is to rebook in December. Fingers are crossed. It will mean Xmas in quarantine but the joy will be afterwards when I see my family again. Stay safe everyone.

Oh @rocketboy, what a terrible choice it is. I know first hand after Seat Son had his flight for 14th August cancelled and then decided not to try for any other flights because of that risk. His next visit opportunity won’t be until around next Easter due to work obligations. That’s a long time in the remaining life span of his 90 year old grandfather and 87 year old grandmother with melanoma.

I hope you make it.

 

[Seat0B]

Hi

I am in quarantine in Adelaide at present after returning to Australia for my parents 60th anniversary who I haven't seen in two years. I will spend the two weeks in quarantineand was planning to go home at the end of August. I have lived and work in Zurich for the last 11 years and that is where my wife and family are as well as my only home. I applied to leave through the website on Friday as soon as I found out about the change and got a rejection today. I will obviously apply again and will get a letter from my employer but this change has literally happened after I had landed in Australia. I get that I'm not what they are prioritising now but I applied to travel and was accepted. Not sure where to from here other than reapply and maybe a lawyer bit it is extremely worrying and providing a high level of stress.

What a horrible way to join this forum @Andrew1 - but we welcome you anyway and hope you get a lot out of the collective knowledge here.

I’m following your experience closely as my son is in a similar situation. I have my fingers and toes crossed for you to get approval shortly. Does not take way the stress of all this, especially when you’re already locked up in hotel quarantine. Please let us know how it plays out.

I hope the anniversary celebration is spectacular and you spend valuable time with your family. 60 years is a major achievement that deserves recognition.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Oh @rocketboy, what a terrible choice it is. I know first hand after Seat Son had his flight for 14th August cancelled and then decided not to try for any other flights because of that risk. His next visit opportunity won’t be until around next Easter due to work obligations. That’s a long time in the remaining life span of his 90 year old grandfather and 87 year old grandmother with melanoma.

I hope you make it.

Outbound exemptions can be applied for and answered before travel to Australia so there's no risk of being stranded now.