The Morrison Government has made it easier for backpackers on Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas to stay in northern WA during COVID-19.
WHMs can already stay in the region for up to three years if they spend time working in specific industries, including tourism and hospitality for some visa holders.
WHMs in their first year in Australia can do three months of specified work to get a visa for a second year. If they do a further six months of specified work in that second year, they can qualify for a third year visa.
Specified work includes agriculture, fishing, mining and construction in northern WA. For subclass 462 visa holders, tourism and hospitality in northern Australia can also be counted as specified work.
Recent changes also mean WHMs can now count critical COVID-19 related healthcare work in WA towards a second or third WHM visa.
WHMs working in tourism and hospitality in northern Australia are exempt from the usual restriction on working with one employer in one location for more than six months, as are those working in aged care and disability services, agriculture, construction and mining. During COVID-19, this has been extended to 12 months for those working in critical industries like food processing, health care and childcare, to give certainty and flexibility to workers and employers.
WHMs can now also apply for an additional twelve-month COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa, if their visa is close to expiring and they want to continue to work in these critical sectors.
Member for Durack, Melissa Price, said backpackers should look closely at their options so they can stay in the region.
“What a great opportunity for young people from around the world to spend time working and holidaying in one of the most unique places on earth,” Ms Price said.
“We have great tourist sites, wonderful people and plenty of great work opportunities right across the region that backpackers can use to fund an extended holiday here. Why would you want to go anywhere else?”
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the Government was listening to regional businesses and making it easier for WHMs to continue supporting them.
“There are still tens of thousands of Working Holiday Makers still in Australia, many do not want to or cannot go home and they are desperately needed in the agriculture sector and other industries,” Mr Tudge said.
“Australia loves backpackers. We love the cultures they bring from their home countries, we love the work they do to help our farmers and we love the economic boost they give to our regional towns.”
Full details on the Working Holiday Maker program and the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa are available on the Department of Home Affairs.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/overview
For further information:
Minister Tudge: Steve Kidner 0466 385 097
Minister Price: Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au 0427 587 395