It is a crime to leave Australia

March 26, 2020
Adam Welch, Australian Immigration Lawyer, Advising since 1994
News

Edit:

On 25 March 2022 The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, issued a MEDIA RELEASE stating that Australia’s biosecurity emergency pandemic measures will end soon.

“Following medical advice, the Biosecurity Emergency Determination relating to COVID-19 for Australia will not be renewed when it lapses on April 17.”

Original post:

It’s no joke – Five years in gaol.

What?

Australian citizen and residents must not leave Australia after 12 pm on 25 March 2020 unless they have an exemption in writing from the Australian Border Force.

The same rule applies to aircraft and vessels planning on leaving Australia with an Australian citizen or resident on board.

Those failing to comply could be goaled for up to 5 years, or fined up to AUD63,000.00

Why?

If you have guessed this is about COVID-19 you are correct.

The Minister for Health has issued an emergency determination under s477(1) of the Biosecurity Act 2015. The penalty provisions are under s479 of the Biosecurity Act 2015.

When?

It is expected that this situation will be reviewed in four (4) weeks time.

Until then, stay home Aussies.

Exemptions?

The follow categories of people may be able to get exemptions:

people ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia
airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers
people engaged in the day to day conduct of outbound and inbound freight
people whose travel is associated with essential work at offshore facilities and
people travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

Those who believe they may qualify for an exemption can apply for one here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/covid19-enquiry-form

Keep safe.

The legal details are here:

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2017C00303

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00306/Download