Int’l Students in Australia Allowed To Work More Hours In Response to Shortage

As more people are forced into isolation because of Australia’s omicron outbreak, international students will be allowed to work longer hours to address workforce shortages.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the federal government will eliminate the 40-hour-per-fortnight cap for student visa workers, allowing them to work as many hours as they like.

Key Takeaways:

• International students will be allowed to work longer hours to help alleviate Australia’s labor shortages.
• The federal government will eliminate the 40-hour-per-fortnight cap for student visa workers, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
• International students are encouraged to return to Australia, and backpackers with all necessary vaccinations are permitted to enter on working holiday visas.

In May of last year, the 40-hour work limit for international student visa holders in the tourism and hospitality business was lifted.

The prime minister urged international students to return to Australia, and backpackers with all relevant vaccinations are allowed to enter the country on working holiday visas.

As a result of a large number of workers being compelled to isolate because of a rise in coronavirus cases, recent labor shortages have occurred in the food distribution and industrial industries.

Those who do not have any symptoms, emergency services and food distribution personnel in New South Wales and Queensland can leave isolation and return to work.

High-risk contacts, such as those living with a positive COVID-19 case, must take a fast antigen test every other day until the end of their isolation period, which is day six.

Emergency services, education, key utilities, janitorial facilities, transportation, and freight workers in Victoria will be excused from segregating as close contacts as of next Wednesday, increasing an exemption that now applies to health care and food and drink delivery workers.

State and territory leaders should explore raising the number of workers allowed to leave self-isolation, according to Australia’s top health body.

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