Australia Extends Working Holiday Visas to Boost Farm Workers
Backpackers can now stay up to 3 years—just put in six months of farm labor.
— In a surprising move, the Australian government has tweaked its working holiday rules to give young travelers a chance to stick around longer, all while helping out farmers in need.
- New Rule: Travellers on the so‑called “backpacker” visas can now remain in Australia for up to three years if they spend at least six months working in agricultural areas that are battling acute labour shortages.
- Previous Path: A single‑year “Working Holiday Maker” visa used to let people stay a second year only if they took jobs in the remote Northern Territory.
- Third‑Year Extension: Starting July 2019, the policy was expanded to allow a third year for those who dedicate half a year to farming in regions struggling to fill their rosters.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison rolled out the updated rules during a trip to Queensland’s rural communities—a key battleground for his coalition, which will face a national election by May.
Why the Change?
- Australia’s conservative government, since 2017, has been trimming temporary work visas as part of a broader strategy to curb immigration.
- Farmers, particularly in Queensland’s farmlands, have been screaming for help during harvest season.
- Over 200,000 working holiday visas were issued in the 2017‑18 cycle, with entrants mainly from the UK, Germany, and France.
Surprising Worker Wages
A recent university study by the University of New South Wales revealed that many international students and backpackers are pocketing only a fraction of the minimum wage while working in Australia.
“This study shows there’s a large, quiet underclass of underpaid migrant workers,” said UNSW lecturer Bassina Farbenblum. “The unpaid wage gap could well exceed a billion dollars.”
Takeaway
So if you’re a jet‑set ready to earn a bit of cash and help tend crops, you can now extend your Aussie adventure longer than ever—just make sure you don’t miss those six months on the farm. Good luck, and here’s to growing together!
