There are currently 2.17 million people in Australia who hold temporary visas for a variety of reasons such as study, holiday or work. As the COVID-19 crisis continues, there have been recent changes to allow for temporary visa holders to be able to support themselves in such times.
In a statement published by the Department of Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the acting minister, Alan Tudge urged all temporary visa holders, who are not able to support themselves, to return to home.
Visitor visa holders
All visitor visa holders have been urged to return home as quickly as possible especially those that do not have any family support in Australia. The Government has reiterated that their number one focus is the health and economic wellbeing of their citizens and permanent residents.
International students
International students are urged to rely on family support, part-time work and to access their savings to sustain themselves. International students who have been in Australia for over 12 months and are experiencing financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation. Students that are working in Nursing, aged care and related industries have had their work hours extended. Students that are employed in Supermarkets can also work up to 40 hours a week until 1 May 2020.
Temporary graduate visa holders can also access their superannuation if needed.
Temporary Skilled visa holders
Visa holders that have been stood down but not laid off will keep their visa validity and can access up to $10,000 of their Australian superannuation this year. Businesses can reduce the hours of work for visa holders without being in breach of the sponsorship obligations.
Visa holders that have been laid off due to COVID-19 and are unable to secure a new sponsor have been urged to leave the country in line with their visa conditions.
Working Holiday Visa
Working holiday makers that are in critical sectors are exempt from the six-month work limitation with one employer and are eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors. If Working holiday makers are not confident that they can sustain themselves, they are urged to make their way home.
If you have any queries on how these new changes may affect your visa or what changes apply to you, call Pannu Lawyers on (02) 9920 1787 to speak to one of our experienced lawyers to see how we can assist you. Pannu Lawyers is here to help you during this difficult situation remotely via Skype or telephone conferences.
