According to the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics), Australia has witnessed a massive decline of 99% in overseas arrival rate in April 2020 due to travel restrictions in response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
Jenny Dobak, the Director of Migration Statistics division of the ABS, said that, “In April there were just under 7,000 arrivals from non-Australian citizens. This was a 99% decrease from the same time last year”.
The pandemic has been huge blow to the migration industry and has brought the temporary visa holders, international students and tourists to a standstill. It is still unclear when the international border will be open for temporary residents. However, as per the announcement by the Hon’ Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, on 08 May 2020 the Australian government may consider lifting border restriction for international students as part of the “Step Three” of the “Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia” process.
