Albanese Open to Changing British Backpackers’ Visa Exemption
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signalled a willingness to renegotiate a post-Brexit trade agreement that could strip British backpackers of their unique exemption from rural work requirements in Australia. Under a potential revision, working holidaymakers from the UK might soon face the same regional employment mandates required of travellers from other nations.
Currently, British citizens can remain in Australia for up to three years on working holiday visas without fulfilling specific regional labor obligations, a privilege not granted to backpackers of other nationalities. Prime Minister Albanese confirmed he has discussed the trade deal with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, noting that the current arrangement draws young Britons into hospitality jobs in Sydney and Melbourne while regional and remote towns face acute labor deficits.
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Home Minister Tony Burke announced the immigration adjustments amid escalating domestic political pressure over high immigration rates. While broader revisions include new rules requiring foreign students to pursue higher qualifications for visa renewals and barring them from bringing family members, working holidaymakers from the UK remain protected from a newly introduced “no further stay” provision on visitor visas under the bilateral free trade agreement.
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