After two years apart, Victor was hoping to see his family this December in Mexico. It would be their first Christmas together in five years.
But Friday’s announcement by the federal government crushed all of his plans for the long-awaited reunion.
Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that most fully vaccinated Australians and permanent residents would be able to travel internationally in November once states and territories hit 80 per cent double doses.
The reopening will centre on the adoption of a seven-day home quarantine, which will be implemented following trials in NSW and South Australia.
Announcing the changes, Mr Morrison said it was “time to give Australians their lives back”.
However, the government flagged further decisions on reopening international travel for temporary visa holders were still being considered.
For Victor, this means that Australians could be vacationing in Mexico before he’s able to reunite with his family.
“It is upsetting. It feels like I’m trapped,” Victor told The Feed.
Victor is working on a graduate visa after completing a Master’s degree in Sydney.
His current employer had been planning on sponsoring him but is now unable to as the company has been heavily impacted by COVID-19.
“I had to apply for a COVID visa and now I’m trying to figure out what I’m gonna do next,” Victor said.
Like many others, Victor has had to weigh up whether to leave Australia and face uncertainty about when he can return or stay in the country and continue to be apart from his family.
He recalls a conversation with his mum last July when COVID-19 was rampant in his hometown and the virus had claimed the lives of many people he knew.
“We had this intense conversation and she told me if something happens to her, she doesn’t want me to come back because I’m fighting for something and I want to…