I need to get back to Ireland. I am a Australian Citizen or permanent resident.

If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption. You can apply online but you must meet at least one of the following:

your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid your travel is essential for the conduct of critical industries and business (including export and import industries) you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia you are travelling on urgent and unavoidable personal business you are travelling on compassionate or humanitarian grounds your travel is in the national interest. You must provide evidence to support your claims that may include:

passport/s marriage certificate/s birth certificate/s death certificate/s proof of relationship (for example, shared tenancy agreement, joint bank account etc.) proof that you are moving to another country on a long term basis such as leases, job offers and evidence your goods are being transported proof of your current valid visa, including in Australia and/or overseas letter from a doctor or hospital about any medical treatment/condition with statements on why travel is necessary letter from an employer showing why the travel is necessary or that the work undertaken by you is critical statement or evidence to show when you wish to return to Australia any other proof you may have to support your claims.

I NEED TO GET BACK TO IRELAND I am a Temporary visa holder returning home.

Temporary visa holders impacted by COVID-19 can make arrangements to return to their home country, if border restrictions in that country allow.

Temporary visa holders do not need an exemption to depart Australia. They can leave at any time, as long as border restrictions in their home country allow them to return.

Remember the COVID-19 situation continues to change.

Check each week:

border restrictions availability of flights. Commercial flights are available in several major airports across Australia. These airlines are currently operating flights departing Australia:

Airlines flying include: Air New Zealand | Asiana | Vietnam Airlines | Cathay Pacific | Air China | Qantas | United | Malayasia Airlines | SriLankan Airlines | Singapore Air | Emirates | Qatar Airways

I am unable to get a flight and need to travel?

Please register your details (if you have not already done so) on the Citizens’ Register. This will allow us to stay in touch and update you in the coming weeks. https://www.dfa.ie/travel/citizens-registration/

My visa will expire soon and I’m worried about what I should do?

The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs has information for affected visa holders on their website: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus. Their advice states "If you wish to remain in Australia beyond the expiry date of your current visa, you must apply for a further visa. Information on staying in Australia beyond your current visa expiry date can be found at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-about-to-expire/stay-longer." You will be granted a bridging visa pending a decision on the substantive visa application. Instructions here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-about-to-expire

Where can I find information on staying safe in Australia?

As you are aware, Australia has adopted a range of measures to combat the spread of Covid-19. This includes the temporary closing of non-essential activities and businesses and advice to practice social distancing. You should comply with all advice, in particular in relation to social distancing. https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Do I have access to medical care in Australia?

Should you need it, Ireland and Australia enjoy a reciprocal health care agreement for visitors. This covers Irish visa holders for medically necessary treatment. You may wish to also consult your travel insurance.

Dual nationals and Permanent Residents leaving Australia

Further to the announcement that Australians are not allowed to leave the country, dual Irish - Australian nationals and Permanent Residents wishing to depart Australia will now need to apply for an exemption. The exemption may be applied for via this exemption request link. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/covid19-enquiry-form

Where can I get further advice?

The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade travel advice is online at this link - https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/australia/. It is updated to reflect changing circumstances and I recommend you monitor it for changes. Follow @dfatravelwise and download our TravelWise app. You should also follow the Embassy of Ireland and Consulate General Sydney on Twitter for updates on the situation: @irlembaustralia and @IrelandSydney

Where can i get reliable information on Australa's response to Corona Virus (COVID 19)?

The Australian government has launched a whatsapp chatbot for the Covid-19 for guidance & information on Australia's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).Super easy to use. Please share with your nearest and dearest who may not be on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Stay connected to ensure no one within our community is isolated. Some may need a walk through in terms of how to set it up....

• Latest news
• Latest numbers
• Check your symptoms
• Protect yourself & others
• Support for people & families
• Support for businesses
• Travel advice
• Advice from states & territories aus.gov.au/whatsapp

What are the new entry restrictions in Australia?

Australia has introduced new entry restrictions. From 9pm (Australia Eastern Daylight Time) on 20/03, all travellers will be stopped from entering Australia with the exception of Australian citizens & permanent residents. Information on restrictions: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus

Do you process Irish passport application forms?

We have a supply of Irish passport application forms which can be collected at our office in Surry Hills. Paper applications must be lodged with the Irish Consulate in Sydney. For information on online applications please see www.dfa.ie/passportonline

I’m struggling financially, can you help?

The ISA does not provide cash payments to clients. We can help you get back on your feet by assisting you with job searches and applications and/or accessing entitlements and services. In certain cases we can provide crisis assistance with rent and food costs following an assessment of circumstances.

What area do you cover?

We provide assistance to Irish people and those of Irish heritage across New South Wales. There are other support groups covering Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. You can find their details here.

Do you provide immigration advice?

In Australia, it is illegal for anyone to give migration advice without being registered by the Office of the MARA. Individuals who ignore this law can face heavy penalties. We can, however, refer you to suitably registered immigration agents who can assist you.

How can I get involved with the Irish Support Agency?

There are many ways to get involved with the Irish Support Agency. Membership is a great way to get involved in the Irish community in NSW and help support the work we do. We are always keen to hear from volunteers who can help us with anything from serving tea at our drop in, to organising a fundraising event. Complete our online volunteer form and we will get in touch.

What are your business hours?

We operate from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. We also run a 24 hour emergency phone line on 02 9300 801 outside these hours. Please note that outside office hours is for emergency assistance only. If you would like to visit our office please call ahead to ensure that there will be someone there when you visit as we are often visiting others in the community.