A Guide to the Australian Working Holiday Visa Program

A Guide to the Australian Working Holiday Visa Program: The Australian working holiday program can be a great way for young people to experience useful work experience whilst getting to know another country. Australia has jobs for this labour force in its cities as well as in its agricultural industry. Given the size of Australia there are many seasons and many experiences to be enjoyed and take back home with you.

Types of working holiday visas

The two types of working holiday visas are the subclass 417 and the subclass 462. Which visa is appropriate to you depends on the country of origin, the visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for 12 months. In the case of the 417 visa it’s possible to extend this working holiday visa subject to certain conditions, these are that you work in specified regional areas for 88 days, once this work is done and documented you can apply for a further 12 months extension.

It is important that you obtain pay slips to prove that you have worked in a farm as strict rules apply. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/pay-slips-and-record-keeping/pay-slips

A Guide to the Australian Working Holiday Visa Program: Seasonal labour

Regional Australia, farmers specifically have difficulty finding labour during the peak harvest period, without working holiday labour many of these famers could find life very difficult. Many other countries have seasonal labour issues and have plans in place for seasonal shortages, Australia lags behind. The Australian government is however making the situation difficult by tampering with the current tax system for working holiday makers, pressure from farmers has led the government to re investigate its current thinking.

The consequences for Hospitality are also significant in that many regions in Australia depend on seasonal labour to service their hotels and resorts.

The proposed tax changes for working holiday makers could lead to a decrease in seasonal agricultural jobs and temporary workers in general. Since backpackers on working holiday visas often receive the minimum wage, it’s likely that the number of working holiday workers from advanced economies in Northern Europe will decrease.

The minimum wage

The current minimum wage in Australia is $17.29 per hour before tax

At a time when these are labour shortages appearing in some economies in Western Europe due to the demographic tough the Australian govern is making it unattractive to come to Australia when in fact they should be making Australia a more attractive destination for working holiday makers.

The hospitality and farming sectors are currently experiencing significant concerns. And it’s evident that the current government needs to give the working holiday programme a lot of thought before making any detrimental changes.

Also visit – Federal Budget 2024/25 | What it Means for Migrants and Employers of Visa Holders