The country’s borders have been effectively closed since March 2020, making it difficult even for citizens to enter.
But prime minister Scott Morrison said priority would be given to Australians and family members, after which the nation would then consider migrants, those with work and study visas and the "challenge" of tourists.
"We are not opening up to everyone coming back to Australia at the moment," Morrison told the BBC. "This is about Australian residents and citizens first."
The rights have also been extended to include the parents of Australians, even if they are foreign nationals.
