COVID-19 and expatriation in Australia

Hi Loïc,

A very relevant topic. The past few weeks have been very turbulent, and the future is uncertain.

I will share my views about some pertinent questions you have raised.

My situation:
I have been living in Australia for the last 5 years. My immediate plans have not changed. I continue to live here and abide by the restrictions set by authorities. I work in technology for hospitality. Our industry has taken a huge hit, and many of my colleagues have been let go of. I am one of the lucky ones to still keep my job.

Concerns:
The job market is very average at the moment, and it is unlikely to improve for a few months. I feel for job seekers and the thousands of recently unemployed Aussies. I am also concerned about my parents back home, the situation over there is well managed but I'm concerned nevertheless.

Way forward:
I have signed up for meal delivery voluntary service. I'm hoping to hear from them and contribute to community efforts soon. Given the situation, I am rather unperturbed about health or lifestyle risks. I do find myself thinking about my career and job security, not being able to work out regularly is making me a bit stressed out.

On the bright side, I got my favorite road bike serviced and having completed the mandatory isolation period after an overseas trip, I am looking forward to putting some miles on it.

How are you doing? It will be good to hear about your experience too.

Hi guys.
Just read both your posts.
I'm not an ex pat.

But I'm supposed to arrive in dec to Validate my PR. Not sur show this will on out our end. (In the uk a moment )
None of this has put us off coming over  (Husband a citz) if anything more so to come.


Have family in tas and Melbourne. They obviously at the minute can't see each other.

Heard that they be lifting some restrictions this week on travel and work.

Keep safe and well

@camasters: your PM is a fighter, congrats on his recovery. Dec is far away, this should all clear up by then. Will you be moving here for good?

Hes done a great job and glad he is recovering , he is a great character : ) , thank you, and has brought a lot of support to small and larger business in the UK during this time, so hopefully the economy will survive this too,
as mentioned above jobs worry me when i come, if the job market is struggling at the moment for you guys, i hope it recovers by the time we arrive

i hope its all cleared up by then, yes coming for good, from South Wales  UK , to Tasmania,
We cant wait , husband is a Perth boy so will call in there on the way through to have a look and catch up with old friends. But think its a bit warm for me to consider a move there, so ill stick with Tas, its a lot like Wales i think ,

Hi all

I'm travelling to Melbourne from Manchester, UK on the 19th to validate my 189 visa and start a new job. I will keep everyone informed what happens at the airport.

Thank you, would be good to have any insights,
Pretty sure I have read somewhere on the AU Gov site,
that you have to isolate in your port of arrival for 14 days

@camasters: that's great to hear. Tassie is amazing. Good luck for your move. Keep us posted on how you go.

@NyashaM: Presently, all international arrivals (including citizens/residents) have to undergo mandatory quarantine at a designated hotel for 14 days. Hotel stay is funded by the government, but you will be under watch. You will not be allowed to leave your hotel. Groceries/food/medicines etc. will be delivered to your room. Not a good time to travel, but I'm guessing you have to. Good luck. Stay safe!

Hi All

I arrived yesterday. Started a little bit nervous when I was checking-in at the airport in Manchester. They took me aside and called the embassy (I think) to confirm whether I could actually get on the plane. I assume they were checking if I was a resident or citizen. I got the all-clear and flew to Melbourne via Doha on Qatar Airlines. After I arrived at the airport we had to stay on the plane, we heard someone representing the Department of Health made an announcement telling us that we will be quarantined and if we refuse then they will basically arrest us. After that we left the plane slowly, we were were given a mask if we didn't have one then some forms to fill out, all relating to the quarantine and COVID-19. They checked everyone's temperate then we had to sign a form agreeing to be quarantined. Once we collected our bags we went straight to a bus that was going to take us to our hotel. If you have symptoms they take you to the side for screening. When we arrived at the hotel they gave us forms to fill out relating to our health and dietary requirements. We got more leaflets then we are escorted to our room, one by one. Meals are left at your door at various times of the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have special dietary requirements you need to order from UberEats then claim back the money after your stay by filling a form, attaching receipts then sending to the Department of Health.