Extend your working holiday visa in Australia with bushfire relief effort

Following new rules announced by the Morrison Government on Monday, those with working holiday visas in Australia can now stay a little longer if they contribute to bushfire relief efforts.

Alan Tudge, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, revealed in the announcement that these alterations would come much to the delight of regional businesses, farmers, and communities affected by the fires and will help stimulate local economies.

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“These hard-working Australians have been hit by the recent bushfires, but from today they can employ backpackers for six months longer, helping them at a critical time in the recovery effort,” Tudge explained.

“It means working holiday makers can help rebuild homes, fences and farms, they can get onto properties and help with demolition, land clearing, and repairing dams, roads and railways.”

 

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The duration that a person holding a working holiday visa can work with the same employer has been prolonged from six to 12 months if they are assisting with bushfire recovery efforts.

The funds they receive in Australia will be siphoned back into the fire-affected communities where they work.

Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment, believes these new rules will be the boost that these economies need to rebuild.

 

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“Every extra working holiday maker that we can get into these communities is one extra visitor to help protect local jobs and keep local businesses alive,” Birmingham said in a statement.

“We know tourism businesses in fire-affected communities are doing it tough, and the more tourism dollars that these working holiday makers can inject into these economies, the quicker these businesses can get back on their feet.”

The new rules come as an addition to the Morrison Government’s $76 million tourism recovery package to revive the regions impacted by the bushfires and support ongoing recovery efforts.

 

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When discussing the updated policy, Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud stated that those venturing to Australia would be welcomed with appreciation and hospitality.

“They’ll come as holiday makers but will leave as life long friends.”