The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Aff​airs announced today that citizens from Myanmar who are in Australia will be able to extend their stay indefinitely and until the situation improves in Myanmar.

This announcement is a reaction to the ongoing violence in the nation caused by a recent military coup.

Exactly what visas Myanmar nationals will be able to apply for is not known. It is possible there may be similar arrangements to Hong Kong nationals who saw visa durations extend to up to 5 years for some visas, and pathways to permanent visas promised.

These measures are not expected to impact many people in Australia. The cohort of Myanmar nationals in Australia would be relatively small.

What is more pronounced in this media release is the condemnation of violence. Criticism on the anti-sedition laws was conspicuously absent when announcing measures for Hong Kong residents in Australia.