Australia Becomes First Western Country To Ban Visitors from Ebola-hit areas of Africa

Australia has prompted outrage by becoming the first Western country to ban visitors from Ebola-hit areas of Africa, amid warnings the restrictions could make it harder to fight the deadly disease.

 

In a dramatic move announced today, the government said it would refuse entry to anyone travelling from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone - the countries most severely hit by the epidemic - despite there being no known cases of the virus in Australia.

Announcing the decision, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison told Parliament the government's processes were 'working to protect Australians'.

Under the strict regime, Australia will not issue new visas and will cancel temporary ones. Those with permanent Australian visas yet to arrive in the country will only be allowed to fly after a 21-day quarantine before their departure.