The Morrison government is strengthening the Australian tourism and hospitality sector by providing more visa flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government will lift existing working time restrictions for student visa holders employed in the tourism and hospitality sectors. A fortnightly 40 hour period previously applied during the study period.
In addition, temporary visa holders can access the 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa for a period of 12 months if they are in the tourism and hospitality sectors. This decision adds tourism and hospitality to the critical areas of agriculture, food processing, health care, elderly care, disabled care and child care to qualify for this visa subclass.
Temporary visa holders who want to work or work in tourism and hospitality can apply for the 408 COVID-19 visa up to 90 days before their existing visa expires and then stay in Australia for up to 12 more months.
The Secretary of State for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs said these changes build on the support of the Morrison administration for sectors vital to our economic recovery.
“The government has listened carefully to states, territories and industry and is making these changes to support critical sectors in Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19,” said Minister Hawke.
“Tourism and hospitality employ more than half a million Australians. These changes will allow them to add to their existing workforce to keep their businesses going and create jobs through the creation of a job multiplier effect,” he said.
Minister Hawke has also decided, based on strong industry feedback, to add veterinarians to the PMSOL (Priority Skilled Migration Occupation List), which is essential skills needed to support Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I continue to receive feedback and advice from a number of sectors and I will make further announcements on temporary visa flexibility and priority skills measures in the near future,” said Minister Hawke.
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