COVID-Era : In a significant development, Australia has announced the gradual phasing out of its COVID-era visas for international students, bringing an end to the Pandemic Event visa program by February 2024. This decision, as explained in an official statement by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles, aims to provide certainty to the country’s visa system now that the circumstances prompting the visa’s introduction have evolved.
Introduced in 2020, the Pandemic Event visa was a lifeline for international students who found themselves stranded due to travel restrictions and the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This visa allowed them to extend their stay in Australia for an additional year and facilitated multiple journeys to and from the country.
Moreover, these visas played a crucial role in mitigating the labour shortage crisis induced by the pandemic. They allowed international students to contribute to Australia’s workforce during these challenging times.
According to the official statement, current holders of the Pandemic Event visa will be permitted to remain in Australia until their visa naturally expires. Additionally, they have the option to extend their visas for an additional six months by paying a fee of AUD 405. However, come February 2024, no new applications for this visa will be accepted.
COVID-Era & Visas
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles commented on this development, stating, “The Pandemic Event visa was an important part of Australia’s visa system during the pandemic. Many people on temporary visas helped Australia during this period. We’re providing an opportunity for people who hold a Pandemic Event visa to explore another visa option or plan to leave Australia.”
In conjunction with the discontinuation of the Pandemic Event visa, the federal government has also reinstated restrictions on the number of hours international students can work in Australia. Initially extended to help students earn income and address labour shortages, the cap on working hours was reduced back to 48 hours per fortnight in July.
This decision marks a significant transition in Australia’s approach to managing its international student population and workforce during the ongoing global recovery from the pandemic. As the country adapts to changing circumstances, international students and stakeholders will need to consider alternative visa options and employment arrangements.
Also Read : Sabeer Bhatia : From Hotmail to Silicon Valley Triumph