Since the border closed, Australia has had no fresh inflow of workers, while at the same time large numbers of workers already here have left the country,and labour shortages have become the norm across every industry.

Takefarms, for example — Australia’s seasons run opposite to China’s: China has just entered a cool autumn, while Australia’s peak summer is fast approaching. Australia produces an abundance of fruit and vegetables, and as temperatures keep climbing, produce is reaching harvest season — yet major farms across the country are now desperately short of fruit pickers. With no one to do the work, once harvest time arrives, much of the fruit and vegetables will simply rot in the fields!

Other industries too,such as postnatal care, cleaning, construction, and courier services,and so on, are struggling — even when employers offer high pay, they still can’t find workers. In our recruitment groups, members report that wages keep climbing simply because of the staff shortage.

As a result,prices are rising across Australia, and the cost of living keeps climbing.

The aged care sector, along with nurses and carers,, is also facing a shortage of staff,and all need to look overseas to fill the gap.For more details, see:Urgent shortage! This occupation may get a fast track into the country for work — the government is discussing a “green express lane”! Australia Post is urgently hiring close to 5,000 positions!

The good news is, this is the darkest hour just before dawn.

On 17 September, the NSW Government released its roadmap guiding the state’s reopening and return to freedom. Under the current plan, from the first Monday after the state reaches its target of 70% double-dose vaccination, adults who have had both doses will no longer be subject to stay-at-home orders.

The easing of restrictions includes: gatherings allowed at home and in public places; hospitality venues, retail shops and gyms able to reopen; and travel becoming possible again, among other measures.

Right now,NSW has already reached the milestone of 80% first-dose COVID vaccination coverage among people aged 16 and over,and once NSW’s double-dose vaccination rate reaches 80%, the state government plans to roll out a further round of reopening measures, including international travel, community sport, and major public celebrations.

Victoria, Australia’s second-largest state, has also released a similar reopening roadmap.The specific rules and dates differ,but the overall approach is the same: vaccinate the population, then reopen step by step and return to normal life.

According to figures as at 23 September,48.59% of Australians aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated, and 73.4% have had their first dose.In NSW, 55.46% are fully vaccinated and 83.56% have had their first dose. Figures for the other states, along with the projected dates for reaching 70%/80% at the current pace, are shown below:

(Source: The Guardian)

Australia’s pandemic response is divided into four phases, A to D,and in Phase B, Australia will allow students and economic visa holders to enter the country.The International Student Arrival Plan was approved by National Cabinet on 6 August. The plan outlines the measures proposed for safely bringing international students back to Australia, in the following four phases:

 · Phase 1: Expand the limited-entry commercial pilot programme for student visa holders.

 · Phase 2: Allow student visa holders to enter, subject to a cap on numbers.

 · Phase 3: Raise the cap on the number of student visa holders permitted entry.

 · Phase 4: Open the border.

State and territory governments are consulting with the Australian Government and education providers to guide international students back to Australia. Several states and territories are currently developing their own International Student Arrival Plans, which must have the support of the Australian Government before they can be put into effect.

Last week, the Department of Home Affairs alsoformally listed students “taking part in the International Student Return Pilot Programme” as one of the groups exempt from entry restrictions,another step in preparing to welcome international students back.

It’s worth noting thatall students taking part in the International Student Arrival Plan must hold a valid student (Subclass 500) visa.

Yesterday, Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, said that at the current pace of vaccination, he believes Australia’s border will open step by step as planned, at the latest by Christmas, with travel restrictions likely to be lifted this year.

Prime Minister Morrison, currently on a trip to the United States, gave the same answer today when responding to reporters’ questions:

the number of vaccinated Australians will keep rising, the country is moving step by step towards the national reopening plan, and border restrictions are expected to be eased as scheduled.Allowing fully vaccinated Australians to travel overseas is something the government wants to encourage,while also looking forward to welcoming back international students and skilled migrants once border restrictions ease.

The part-work, part-study student visa

Minister: Border expected to open at the latest by Christmas! An overseas shortcut can get you a green card faster than investor migration!

Urgent shortage! This occupation may get a fast track into the country for work — the government is discussing a “green express lane”!

China now tops the list of new migrants for the first time! 189/190/491/employer-sponsored visas have all exceeded their quotas!

If your PR has recently been granted, take note — start preparing your parent migration application as early as possible!