Australia: Seafarers do not need to apply for exemption for departure

Australia has implemented a new exit restriction policy: seafarers can leave Australia without applying for an exemption.

On April 21, the Chinese Embassy in Australia issued a reminder that Chinese citizens holding Australian permanent residence visas should pay attention to relevant exit restrictions and make corresponding preparations and arrangements.

Since March 25, 2020, the Australian government has begun to implement exit restrictions for Australian citizens and permanent residents. If you meet the following 6 special circumstances, you can leave Australia without applying for an exemption.

1) People who usually live in a country other than Australia;

2) Airline crew members, seafarers or related safety personnel;

3) New Zealand citizens holding a special category (subclass 444) visa;

4) Persons engaged in daily operations of export freight;

5) Persons related to the necessary work of Australian overseas facilities;

6) Those who travel for official government affairs, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

In addition to the above circumstances, Australian citizens and permanent residents who leave Australia must apply for exemption in advance. According to relevant Australian regulations, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions: 1) Travel is to respond to the COVID-19 epidemic, including providing assistance. 2) Travel necessary for your business/employer. 3) Travel is to receive emergency medical treatment which is not available in Australia. 4) You are leaving Australia for three months or more. 5) Travel is for sympathetic or humanitarian reasons. 6) Travel is out of national interest.

This measure has a certain impact on Chinese citizens holding permanent residence visas leaving Australia. If relevant personnel believe that they are eligible for the exemption from leaving the country, they can apply to the Australian Ministry of the Interior.