(MENAFN-IANS)
Sydney, Feb 16 (IANS) The state of Western Australia (WA) has announced a new pathway for international students already enrolled to return to the Australian state despite its border closures.
The new pathway announced Tuesday evening allows international students already enrolled in a primary school, secondary school, university, college and technical college in WA, among others, to enter the state, the agency reported. Xinhua press.
Students can either fly directly into the state within the arrival cap set by the Australian Government, or indirectly by transiting through another state or territory.
Students must bring evidence of a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of departure and self-isolate for seven days in a suitable facility approved by WA Police or WA Health Department after their arrival.
All arriving international students must be vaccinated with at least two doses or booster doses if eligible in their home country. They must also take a RAT or PCR test within 24 hours of arrival or a PCR test on the sixth day or a RAT on the seventh day during self-quarantine.
International education is one of the main industries in Australia, but earlier this year authorities in WA refused to allow students to return due to Covid health advice, even though some states have already taken in international students.
Under the new pathway, up to 6,000 international students would be allowed to return to the state. The WA government said that according to updated health advice, the cohort poses a low risk to the community, as many factors can now give confidence in quarantine arrangements.
“International students are an important part of the Western Australian community – making a positive contribution to the state’s diversity and vibrancy and supporting local jobs in a variety of industries. This new pathway is part of our ongoing border control review taking place this month, based on the latest health advice,’ WA Premier Mark McGowan said.
Eligible returning international students will also receive a payment of 2,000 Australian dollars ($1,430) to help cover the cost of self-quarantine, according to the government.
–IANS
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