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Exciting developments are on the horizon for working holiday visas. Australia and the United Kingdom have agreed to new arrangements under the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and Youth Mobility Scheme. These new changes are poised to enhance working holiday visa holders’ ability to live and work in Australia temporarily. This in turn will provide opportunities for Australian employers to expand their workforce and support seasonal staffing demands through improved employability and availability of these workers.
In this blog, we will provide an overview of the new changes coming 1 July 2024 and what his means for Australian employers.
What Is the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program?
The WHM program is an international cultural exchange initiative that allows young adults to travel, work and study in foreign countries for an extended period. This reciprocal program has been fostering stronger links between young people from Australia and around the world since 1975. From July to December of 2023 a total of 2,725,552 applications under the Visitor visa program (Tourism and Business) were made to Australia (Affairs, D. of H, 2023).
The WHM program currently includes over 40 partner countries or jurisdictions in two visa subclasses, the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa and the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. (Affairs, D. of H, 2023).
Key Changes
From 1 July 2023
UK passport holders can apply for a Working Holiday Visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive.
From 1 July 2024
UK passport holders can now be granted up to three separate Working Holiday Visas without having to meet any specified work requirements. The new arrangements will apply to all Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa applications from UK passport holders lodged from the date the relevant change commences.
Maximum Stay of 3 Years
Working Holiday Visa holders can currently stay three years in Australia. The stay consists of three separate visas granted for 12 months each. From 1 July 2024, UK passport holders will not have to meet any specified work requirements when applying for a second/third visa.
Visa Limitations
People on a Working Holiday Visa are not permitted to work for the same Employer for more than 6 months. However, from 1 January 2024 you can work for the same employer in Australia for more than 6 months without asking permission if you work in any of the following:
- different locations for the same employer, as long as work in any one location does not exceed 6 months.
- plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia.
- natural disaster recovery work anywhere in Australia
- critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, tourism and hospitality, anywhere in Australia.
- certain industries, including, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in northern Australia only.
Why Are Working Holiday Visa Holders Important for Employers?
Working holiday visa holders play a crucial role in the Australian economy as they assist employers to address a number of challenges.
Labour shortages
Working holiday visa holders help fill temporary labor gaps, especially in industries that experience seasonal demand, such as agriculture, hospitality, and tourism. Their availability ensures businesses can maintain operations during peak periods and at flexible times.
Skill diversity
Working Holiday Visa Holders often bring a range of skills and experiences from their home countries, contribute fresh perspectives, and innovative approaches to the workplace.
Workforce Augmentation
In regions where it might be challenging to attract local workers, such as remote or rural areas, working holiday makers provide a reliable source of labor.
What Does This Mean For Employers?
Employers that are seeking to expand their workforce and are struggling to recruit can seek abroad opportunities. If you are an employer in industries such as agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, tourism, and hospitality, anywhere in Australia, you can explore abroad hiring opportunities.
Seeking Guidance On Navigating Recruitment of Visa Holders?
To connect with a HR consultant from Bramwell Partners regarding visas and the recent changes, get in touch via the online form or by calling (07) 3630 5695. Trust Bramwell Partners for all things workplace compliance.
References
Affairs, D. of H. (no date). Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), Immigration and citizenship Website. Available at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417 (Accessed: 14 May 2024).
Affairs, D. of H. (no date a). Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program new arrangements for UK Passport Holders, Immigration, and citizenship Website. Available at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/latest-news/arrangements-uk-passport-holders#:~:text=From%201%20July%202024%E2%80%8B,date%20the%20relevant%20change%20commences. (Accessed: 14 May 2024).
Affairs, D. of H. (2023). BR0112 Visitor Visa Program Report [pdf]. Pg 10. Available at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-stats/files/visitor-visa-december-2023.pdf. (Accessed: 17 May 2024).
Affairs, D. of H. (2024). Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. (Website). Available at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program. (Accessed: 17 May 2024).
