Overseas workers to have visas extended

The Federal Government has announced temporary changes that will allow thousands of seasonal workers to stay in the country.

Pacific Island workers will be able to extend their visas for up to 12 months, while backpackers whose visas are due to expire in the next six months will be eligible for a further visa if they work in agriculture. Picture: Adam Head

OVERSEAS employees working in agriculture will be able to extend their visas to keep living and working in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic.

The temporary changes, announced today, are aimed at shoring up Australia’s agricultural workforce, particularly as horticulture producers head toward the winter harvest months.

Under the changes, Pacific Island workers will be able to extend their visas for up to 12 months, while backpackers whose visas are due to expire in the next six months will be eligible for a further visa if they work in agriculture.

“We can’t afford to see fruit rotting on trees and vines and vegetables left unpicked,” Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said.

“We are acting to enable seasonal workers to extend their stay and remain lawfully in Australia until they are able to return to their home countries.”

Labour market testing will still apply, to ensure Australians get first dibs on farm work.

Farmers had feared a shortage in agriculture workers would be exacerbated in coming months, as coronavirus travel bans mean no new seasonal workers or working holiday-makers will be coming in to take the place of those already here.

There are about 8000 seasonal workers in Australia currently, and about 140,000 backpackers, an estimated 30 per cent of whom are working in agriculture.

The Weekly Times reported earlier this week that approved employers and labour hire firms had been advised by the Government that seasonal workers whose current visas expired would have to apply for a bridging visa – a move industry said would have given neither workers nor employers any protections.

Under today’s measures:

SEASONAL Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme workers can extend their visa for up to 12 months, to work for approved employers.

WORKING holiday-makers working in agriculture or food processing will be able to apply for another visa if their current one is due to expire in six months, providing they keep working in these sectors.

BACKPACKERS working in agriculture will be allowed to stay with the one employer for longer than six months.

VISA holders will have to register and self-isolate for 14 days before starting a job in a new region, in order to stem spread of the virus, or risk having their visa cancelled.

The current work conditions for seasonal workers will still apply; employers must also ensure they are providing appropriate accommodation and complying with strict social distancing rules, such as allowing at least 4m2 per person indoors.

“It is essential for our food security that workers can move to meet these seasonal labour needs,” Mr Littleproud said.

Mr Littleproud said market testing requirements were still in place, to ensure Australians could be recruited first.

Farmers have reported an influx of inquiries from out-of-work Aussies looking for new jobs in the wake of coronavirus shutdowns.