Janice Lozano
Western Australia's decision to open its borders to international students has been a highly anticipated development, with the state witnessing a significant decline in international student enrolments during the pandemic. Despite the strong demand for studying in WA, border closures led to a mere fraction of international students with visas arriving in the state. The WA government's move to ease border restrictions and allow vaccinated international students to enter is expected to boost enrolments and support the state's flourishing international education sector. The reopening of borders is also anticipated to provide a much-needed advantage in attracting international students, with WA being regarded as a COVID-safe destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 February 2022 (originally) |
| New date | 15 February 2022 |
| Number of students expected | 6,000 |
| Vaccination status | Double or triple-dose vaccinated |
| Testing | Negative Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure |
| Quarantine | 7 days |
| Visa | Student Visa (subclass 500) |
| Other visas | Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) |
| Enrolment | Down 17% overall since 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Australia's border opening to international visitors from March 3, 2022
- International students must be double or triple-dose vaccinated
- International students must quarantine for seven days
- Western Australia refused to set a date for the reopening of its interstate borders
- Western Australia's Safe Transition Plan
Western Australia's border opening to international visitors from March 3, 2022
Western Australia reopened its borders to international visitors on March 3, 2022, at 12:01 am. This was the first time in two years that the state welcomed international visitors. The reopening of borders was guided by the Safe Transition Plan, which required travellers to provide proof of full vaccination and meet other travel requirements outlined by the Australian government. Additionally, travellers needed a registered G2G Pass and a negative rapid antigen test taken within 12 hours of arrival.
The Western Australian government's decision to reopen borders was based on the state's high vaccination rate. By December 2021, Western Australia had achieved an 80% full vaccination rate for individuals aged 12 and older. This rate was expected to reach 90% by late January or early February 2022. The reopening of borders aimed to boost international student enrolments, which had declined by 17% compared to August 2019.
With the border restrictions lifted, international students holding a Student Visa (subclass 500) could enter Western Australia without the need for quarantine or travel exemptions. Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) holders, who were previously unable to travel to Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions, could also apply for a replacement visa. The Morrison Government extended the length of stay on this visa from two to three years for Masters by coursework graduates.
The reopening of Western Australia's borders was welcomed by the tourism industry, which had been impacted by the border closures since March 2020. New accommodations, attractions, and experiences were developed to enhance the visitor experience. For example, the New WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth, which showcases the stories and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, opened its doors in January 2022.
The border reopening allowed for safe travel into Western Australia from both interstate and overseas, with vaccination and testing requirements in place. This marked a significant step forward in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resumption of international travel to the state.
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International students must be double or triple-dose vaccinated
Western Australia's strong economy and safe destination status have made it an attractive study destination for international students. However, border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted international student enrolments, with a 17% overall decline in 2021 compared to 2019.
To address this, the Western Australian Government announced the WA Safe Transition Plan, which included the reopening of borders to vaccinated international travellers, including students. This plan was initially set to take effect on February 5, 2022, but was postponed due to the Omicron variant.
The updated plan allowed international students enrolled in primary, secondary, and tertiary education to enter the state starting on February 15, 2022. These students were subject to specific requirements, including being double or triple-dose vaccinated, providing proof of a negative Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure, and undergoing a seven-day quarantine upon arrival.
The Western Australian Government's decision to reopen borders and facilitate the return of international students is a welcome development for the state's education sector and the broader community. It demonstrates a commitment to supporting international education and fostering enduring relationships with countries worldwide.
International students are a valuable part of Western Australia's community and contribute significantly to the state's economy and cultural diversity. Their return is expected to stimulate the state's international education sector and provide numerous job opportunities. Additionally, the reopening of borders will enable Western Australia's universities to meet the high demand for international student enrolments and enhance their reputation as a preferred study destination.
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International students must quarantine for seven days
Western Australia's strong economy and safe destination reputation have made it an attractive location for international students even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Western Australian Government announced that the state's border would open on February 5, 2022, for international travellers under the WA Safe Transition Plan. However, due to the Omicron variant, the date was postponed, and the first students began arriving on February 15.
International students enrolled or beginning their studies in primary and secondary schools, universities, colleges, technical colleges, and other further education courses can enter the state. They are subject to specific requirements, including being triple or double-dose vaccinated and providing proof of a negative Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure.
Most importantly, international students must quarantine for seven days upon arrival. They have the option to isolate in state-run hotels, approved hotel accommodations, on-campus accommodations, or other premises approved by the WA Police or WA Health. This quarantine period is crucial for the student's safe transition into the state and helps support the flourishing international education sector in Western Australia.
The Western Australian Government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens while also stimulating the economy and providing opportunities for international students. The quarantine period is a necessary step to balance these objectives. It allows for the safe return of international students, who contribute significantly to the community and strengthen relationships with countries worldwide.
The seven-day quarantine requirement for international students is a temporary measure that may be revised in the future as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Western Australia's response to the pandemic has been praised for its effectiveness, and the state has achieved high vaccination rates, contributing to its reputation as a safe destination for travellers and students alike.
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Western Australia refused to set a date for the reopening of its interstate borders
The refusal to set a date for reopening borders impacted the state's ability to attract interstate staff and tourists, as bookings were lost to other states with quarantine-free travel options. It also affected the international student market, with Western Australia struggling to recruit international students until a date for quarantine-free arrivals was announced. The WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive, Chris Rodwell, emphasised the importance of the international student market to the state's economy, including sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and tourism.
In late 2021 and early 2022, there were indications that Western Australia would open its borders to international students and other visa holders. However, there was still uncertainty about the specific dates and conditions for quarantine-free travel. Eventually, the Western Australian Government announced that the state's borders would open on February 5, 2022, for international travellers under the WA's Safe Transition Plan. This decision was based on Western Australia achieving an 80% full vaccination rate for the population aged 12 and older in December 2021.
While the reopening of borders is a positive step, Western Australia continues to face challenges in attracting international students and tourists. With other states having already opened their borders, Western Australia may struggle to regain its competitiveness in the international market. Despite these challenges, the state remains committed to safely reopening while managing the risks associated with new variants of COVID-19.
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Western Australia's Safe Transition Plan
The Safe Transition Plan aimed to ease border controls with other states and international arrivals. It was designed to balance public health and safety while facilitating the resumption of travel and tourism. According to the plan, face masks would be required in high-risk indoor settings, including public transportation, hospitals, and aged care facilities. Additionally, Western Australians were urged to get vaccinated, including receiving third doses when eligible.
The Western Australian Government announced that the state's borders would officially open on Saturday, 5 February 2022, for international travellers under the Safe Transition Plan. This decision was based on the state achieving an 80% full vaccination rate for individuals aged 12 and older in December 2021, and the expectation of reaching 90% by late January or early February 2022. The opening of borders was highly anticipated by international students and other visa holders, with the government aiming to increase enrolments and facilitate the return of international students.
Prior to the border reopening, the Western Australian Government updated its testing and isolation protocols to align with a high caseload environment. This included removing casual contacts, updating the close contact definition, and implementing new testing and isolation protocols for positive cases and close contacts. Additionally, critical workers' testing and isolation protocols were updated to take effect once high caseloads commenced in Western Australia.
The reopening of borders in Western Australia allowed the entry of domestic and international immigrants who were vaccinated, without the need for quarantine or travel exemption applications. International students holding the Student Visa (Subclass 500) were included in this group. The government also offered support to international education providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing regulatory fee waivers and additional grants. Furthermore, changes to visa settings provided flexibility for international students returning to Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia opened its borders to international students on March 3, 2022.
Students are required to be double or triple dose vaccinated, have proof of a negative Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure, and quarantine for seven days.
The original date was February 5, 2022, but this was postponed due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
