Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has today confirmed that they will begin reopening the borders for travel ‘within weeks’.
For the past 18 months, all Irish people living down under were banned from visiting home without permission for an essential reason.
An estimated 30,000 nationals have had to remain overseas and so today’s announcement will be delightfully welcomed by families across Ireland.
According to data released by the Department of Home Affairs, more than 100,000 requests to enter or leave Australia were denied this year alone amid the strict pandemic lockdown.
However, speaking today, Mr. Morrison said; "The time has come to give Australians their life back. We're getting ready for that, and Australia will be ready for takeoff, very soon.”
He also announced that they would be bringing in a similar quarantine measure seen in other countries, that will allow residents to carry out seven-day isolation at home - rather than the 14-day hotel requirement that has been in place.
However, people who are not vaccinated will be required to undertake 14 days of quarantine at a hotel.
The borders will officially open once the country has reached 80% vaccination, and although the exact date is unknown, officials are predicting it to take a matter of weeks.
In response to the announcement, local airline Qantas welcomed the decision and said it would begin running flights to London and Los Angeles once more from November 14.
