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| Zac Efron was one of the first Hollywood stars to make Australia his pandemic home. (Photo Zac Efron/Instagram) |
[Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] It started with Zac Efron. Then Mark Wahlberg flew over, Matt Damon jetted in, and dozens of other celebrities followed - all to set up temporary homes in Australia. BBC reported that recently, Julia Roberts touched down. She's due to film a movie here with George Clooney later this year, one rather aptly titled Ticket to Paradise.
Because amid the pandemic, it does appear that half of Hollywood has fled to Australia, viewing it as a Covid-free idyll. Life is good in a country that's largely eliminated the virus - people are freely enjoying beaches, bars, and nightclubs. Most of the famous arrivals are here to work. Australia's government has lured over productions like the next Thor film with tax breaks.
However, not everyone is pleased. One year since Australia shut its borders, there are still at least 40,000 Australians stranded overseas. Many say they've effectively been blocked from returning home. One group has lodged a human rights complaint with the United Nations. Australia's border restrictions have effectively priced out many nationals from flying home. Flights from the UK to Australia can cost between A$3,000 (£1,700; $2,300) and A$15,000, forcing many to draw on savings and even pension funds. There's also the mandatory hotel quarantine fee on arrival: A$3,000 per person.
