Backpackers allowed to extend stays in Australia during coronavirus pandemic – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

Backpackers will be allowed to extend their stays in Australia and temporary visa holders will get early access to their superannuation under changes being unveiled by the Federal Government today.

But people from overseas who cannot support themselves through the coronavirus pandemic have again been warned to leave the country.

The move is to ensure farmers have enough labour to plant and pick their crops. The seasonal workers will be exempt from a rule that normally prevents them from staying with the same employer for more than six months

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said extending the visas of working holiday makers and seasonal workers would ensure farmers had enough labour to plant and pick their crops. “What we are saying to those visa holders is that if you’re prepared to stay in this country and help us get through this coronavirus then we’ll extend your visa,” Mr Littleproud told Landline.

“Only if they are working in agriculture or a critical industry, that being health and aged care as well as agriculture.” Mr Littleproud said the Government would make the workers exempt from a rule that means they cannot stay with the same employer for more than six months.

In a bid to protect regional communities from coronavirus, they will also have to self-isolate for 14 days before moving to a new region. “We’re working with state officials to ensure there is policing of this and that any backpacker or seasonal Pacific Island worker that flouts it will lose their visa rights immediately and go home,” the minister said.

Skilled visa holders and international students get access to super
The Government has also announced most temporary visa holders with work rights will be allowed to withdraw up to $10,000 of their Australian superannuation this financial year to help them through the crisis.

The measure has already been made available to Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as New Zealand citizens with Australian-held super.

Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said people on temporary skilled visas who have been stood down, rather than laid off, could have their visas extended under normal arrangements, while businesses could also reduce their hours without breaching conditions.

Backpackers in primary industry — The move is to ensure farmers have enough labour to plant and pick their crops. The seasonal workers will be exempt from a rule that normally prevents them from staying with the same employer for more than six months

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	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District acknowledges the Yorta Yorta People of the land which comprises the Goulburn Valley. We pay respect to tribal Elders, past, present and emerging and we celebrate their continuing culture and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District is a peak body whose mission is to promote and represent the social, cultural and economic well-being of ethnic communities in the Goulburn Valley Region through the provision of quality and innovative settlement, refugee support, community development, and information and advocacy services.