The Embassy of the Philippines would like to remind Filipinos who hold temporary visas in Australia to regularly check the website of the Department of Home Affairs for updates: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

The Australian government provided the following guidance:

• The type of visa a person can apply for to remain in Australia depends largely on the type of visa they currently hold. For example, those on Visitor visas would be expected to apply for new Visitor visas. Those with Student visas should apply for new Student visas six weeks before their current visas expire; if their study is ending, however, they can apply for a Visitor visa to remain lawfully in Australia until they can depart.

• In all cases, normal visa application charges must be paid.

• Temporary visa holders who are working in critical sectors such as healthcare and agriculture, and those who are unable to leave Australia and are not eligible to apply for another visa to remain lawfully, may apply for a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa. They can only do so when their current visa has fewer than 28 days of validity left or their last substantive visas ceased fewer than 28 day before. No application fee is payable for this visa. More information is on the Department of Home Affairs website at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-activity-408/australian-government-endorsed-events#About .

• Australian visas are managed electronically through individuals’ IMMI accounts and visa holders are expected to manage their own visa affairs.

All visa-related queries should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs. END