Australia wants to tighten UK backpacker visa rules after visitor surge
British visitor numbers jumped from 40,000 two years ago to 87,000 last year after visa rules were relaxed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pushing to renegotiate the UK-Australia backpacker visa deal. The surge in British travellers is straining local labour markets, he says.
The free trade agreement signed under Boris Johnson removed the requirement that British backpackers do about three months of regional work. Other nationalities must do this work.
The deal also raised the visa length to three years and lifted the age limit to 35. Albanese told Parliament the influx is concentrating in Sydney and coastal areas.
British workers are taking hospitality jobs there. Local wages are being distorted, he said.
Most other backpackers must still complete regional work as a visa condition. The UK has shown little enthusiasm for changing the arrangement.
- 40,000
- British arrivals two years ago
- 87,000
- British arrivals last year
- Fewer than 10,000
- Australian arrivals to UK
- To 3 years; age limit to 35
- Visa extension
Why it mattersHospitality wages in Australian cities could be pushed down by an uncapped supply of young workers willing to accept lower pay.
AustraliaSydney and coastal areas face pressure on entry-level wages and job availability for young Australians in hospitality and casual work.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
