Omicron update: Prime Minister Scott Morrison offers timeline on when international tourists are set to return to Australia

International tourists may very well be allowed to return again to Australia earlier than Easter, in keeping with the prime minister.

As Omicron cases proceed to surge throughout the nation, Scott Morrison mentioned vacationers and different worldwide travellers may very well be allowed again as soon as case numbers subside.

Since international borders reopened in late 2021, solely residents, everlasting residents and their households, together with worldwide college students and expert staff have been allowed to enter.

Mr Morrison mentioned whereas a selected date had not been set for a return for abroad vacationers, he indicated it might come quickly.

“I don’t assume it’s too far-off, to be sincere, however we’ve obtained to get some medical recommendation additional on that, a bit extra work to do with the states to ensure we’re snug about it,” he instructed Cairns radio station 4CA on Friday.

“After which I’d prefer to see us get there quickly, definitely earlier than Easter, properly earlier than Easter.”

It comes because the federal authorities waived the visa charges for worldwide college students and backpackers in an try to get extra abroad travellers again into the nation.

Medical consultants have mentioned Omicron waves had peaked or had been near peaking in a number of jurisdictions, whereas deaths stay excessive, as Australia recorded its single-deadliest day of the pandemic on Friday.

‘I’d prefer to see us get there quickly, definitely earlier than Easter’ – Scott Morrison

Mr Morrison mentioned the COVID scenario was being monitored intently earlier than a date may very well be set for a world vacationer resumption.

“We’re simply watching how Omicron is form of washing over the japanese states in the meanwhile, however with Omicron peaking, then that begins opening up alternatives,” the prime minister mentioned.

“As these preparations chill out for totally vaccinated arrivals, then you definately’re going to see folks coming again, and with that in place, then worldwide guests with the ability to return turns into very doable.”

Tourism operators had expressed concern of an absence of assist for the sector, which had been hit exhausting by the pandemic and downturn in worldwide customer numbers.