Latest global immigration updates for Australia and Singapore
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Subclass 417 – six-month work limitation relaxed
The Treasurer and Minister announced that the six-month limitation on working for the same employer has been lifted for Working Holiday Makers (WHM). This was put in place on January 19, 2022, and will be reviewed on December 31, 2022.
- WHMs will not need to request permission to extend this employment.
- WHM visa holders must meet Australia’s vaccination requirements or have an approved travel exemption to enter Australia.
- WHMs who arrive in Australia from January 19, 2022, to April 19, 2022, can apply for a refund of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for their WHM visa.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Department of Home Affairs.
Switzerland to access Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
Switzerland will become the 45th country to have access to Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa program. From January 1, 2022, people from Switzerland, aged between 18 and 30, can apply to travel to and stay in Australia for one year and undertake short-term work and study while holidaying. The Swiss Government has also announced that Australians can travel to Switzerland without a visa from January 1, 2022.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Australian Government.
Singapore: Update on Vaccinated Travel Lane
All Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) travelers entering Singapore after January 23, 2022, are required to complete an unsupervised self-administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART). This needs to be taken from day two to seven of their arrival if they are required to leave their place of residence or accommodation. VTL travelers are required to submit a negative ART result before going about their activities.
VTL travelers who tested positive on ARTs must isolate themselves for 72 hours and take another Covid-19 ART. If the outcome is negative, they can then go about their activities. If positive, they need to take another Covid-19 ART 24 hours later.
The Singapore Authorities will continue to maintain the 50% limit on VTL flights and bus tickets (VTL land) for entry to Singapore.
Travelers (both VTL and non-VTL travelers) who have recently recovered (within 90 days of the last infection) from Covid-19 will be exempt from all testing and Stay Home Notice (SHN) requirements, provided they can present proof of the documents listed below:
- Fully vaccinated travelers:
- Positive Covid-19 PCR test or professionally-administered ART result between 7 – 90 days before the date of departure for Singapore with details below:
- Covid-19 PCR Test administered at an internationally accredited or recognized lab / clinic / medical facility.
- ART result administered by a trained professional (self-swabs are disallowed).
- Positive Covid-19 PCR test or professionally-administered ART result between 7 – 90 days before the date of departure for Singapore with details below:
- Discharge memo that:
- States travelers name, and at least one other personal identifier such as the date of birth or passport number corresponding exactly with the information in the passport used for entry into Singapore.
- States travelers date of infection / discharge date, which must be within 7 – 90 days before the date of departure for Singapore.
- Discharge memo must be issued by a relevant state authority or licensed medical professional.
Further information regarding the current border measures for travelers who are not infected with Covid-19 can be found here.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Singapore.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).
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