The Federal Government has made temporary changes to working holiday visas. The changes will allow for backpackers to stay in Australia longer when working in bushfire affected communities.
In a press release federal MP Alan Tudge has outlined the major changes:
- The time a WHM can work with the same employer has been extended from six months to 12 months for those assisting with bushfire recovery efforts through a change in policy. This is consistent with arrangements put in place for recovery efforts following Cyclone Debbie in 2017.
- The definition of “specified work” will be revised for the Work and Holiday Maker (subclass 462) visa, to ensure construction work in a disaster declared area is captured. This is consistent with existing arrangements for Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa holders.
- Paid and volunteer disaster recovery work in declared areas impacted in the recent bushfires will count towards the “specified work” needed to apply for a second or third year 417 or 462 visa.
To read the full media release, visit the Home Affairs website.
