The country will reopen its borders, closed since May 2020, to fully vaccinated skilled and student visa holders from 1 December.

Eligibility extends to working holidaymakers, humanitarian workers and provisional family visa holders.

It means these groups will no longer have to apply for a travel exemption to head to Australia.

However, they must be fully vaccinated, hold a valid, qualifying visa, be able to provide proof of vaccination status, and present evidence of a negative PCR test for Covid-19 taken up to 72 hours prior to travel.

The Australian government said the return of skilled workers and international students would "further cement" Australia’s economic recovery.

Additionally, and also from 1 December, Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated citizens from Japan and South Korea in possession of a valid Australian visa.

Australia has in recent months started to ease its stringent border measures, opening up to fully vaccinated Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family from 1 November.

A safe travel zone has also been established with Singapore.

The country is expected to open up more widely to international travellers next year, including leisure travellers.