Major change to Oz travel

PARENTS of citizens and permanent residents will be breathing a sigh of relief after the federal government opened up travel exemptions to come to Australia once international borders reopen next month.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week announced that a major change in the definition of families would mean the parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents would be classified as “immediate family”.

He signed off on the change this week, meaning parents – be that biological, adoptive, legal, step-parents or parentsin-law – can now apply for an exemption.

Applications for a travel exemption can be made through the Home Affairs Department’s travel exemption portal for travel after November 1.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the change was only possible due to high vaccination rates.

“For more than 18 months, many families with parents overseas have missed weddings, funerals, the birth of grandchildren and other significant events. I thank these families for their patience and their sacrifice over this period,” Ms Andrews said.

“The change is possible because many millions of Australians have rolled up their sleeves and been vaccinated.”