Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Processing of visas will recommence for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the West African nation Ebola free, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison said.
'Last month the government announced strong border control measures, temporarily suspending processing of all visa applications for applicants from Ebola virus disease (EVD) affected countries,' Minister Morrison said.
'It is pleasing that the outbreak has ended in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which according to the World Health Organisation resulted in a total of 66 cases, including eight health workers.
'This decision by the WHO will allow the over 200 visa applications which have been paused to be processed by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
'The government's strict health screening requirements for other Ebola-affected countries in Africa remain in place.
'Australians travelling home are urged to alert our border officers if they have been in any of the Ebola-affected countries in Africa up to 21 days prior to their arrival, and provide details of their travel history as requested.
'The Government recently rolled out a new traveller history card to facilitate this.
'This information at the border will assist other agencies, including the Department of Health, to ensure Australia remains Ebola free.
'These arrangements may inconvenience some travellers, however the safety of the Australian community is paramount and it is critical that Australia is not exposed to this disease.
'The Coalition government is committed to protecting Australians and ensuring our border measures remain strong,' Minister Morrison said.
URL:http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/sm/2014/sm219607.htm
Last update: Thursday, 27 November 2014 at 14:12 AEST