Student visa rules relaxed for Coles, Woolworths to ease grocery squeeze

Visa restrictions for foreign students will be lifted for Coles and Woolworths to help stores cope with the demand for grocery staples.

Working visa restrictions for overseas students will be lifted for the two big supermarket chains after warnings that that the consumer run on toilet paper and other staples had left their existing workforce struggling to restock shelves.

The special exemption, to be administered by the Department of Home Affairs, will apply to Coles and Woolworths initially, and will temporarily remove the current 40 hour per fortnight cap on working hours for overseas students.

The Australian understands that the companies approached the government following a meeting with Scott Morrison two weeks ago, to raise concerns that they were having problems meeting the high demand sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said the temporary move would allow Coles and Woolworths to offer more hours of work to existing student workers to help keep up with demand for toilet paper, tissue rice and pasta.

“Supermarkets across the country are struggling to keep shelves stocked with essential items,” Mr Tudge said.

“To keep up with this demand, supermarkets have told us they need to give extra hours to current staff to stock shelves and serve Australian customers. While many of these will be Australian workers, international students will also be able to increase their hours,” Mr Tudge said.

International students are currently subject to a maximum 40 hours a fortnight during term.

The exemption will be available only to existing employees with the normal workplace laws still applying. But it would only apply to existing workforce.

Other supermarkets will also be allowed to apply to Home Affairs Department if they faced similar demand and supply issues.

“The changes are short term and will be reviewed regularly to ensure they are working and that they are still required,” Mr Tudge said.

“We will continue to listen to businesses as the coronavirus situation develops and may consider expanding these measures to assist other sectors if and when required. We will also consider providing flexibility with other temporary visas should the need arise.”

Education Minister Dan Tehan said it would also allow international students to support themselves.

“This initiative will give international students more flexibility to work while studying and also allow employers to meet demand during a busy period,” Mr Tehan said.