Work Rights from Bushfire Relief
In an effort to help rebuild homes, businesses and communities impacted by the ongoing bushfires, the Department of Home Affairs announced that certain Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa holders may work continue working for the same employer for up to 12 months.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, advised that by introducing this amendment to the relevant provisions, "working holiday makers can help rebuild homes, fences and farms, they can get onto properties and help with demolition, land clearing, and repairing dams, roads and railways".
Until recently, 417 and 462 visa holders were permitted to work for one employer for no more than 6 months, unless a formal request was approved by the Government, or specific circumstances gave rise to an automatic approval.
Under the new amendments, 417 and 462 visa holders assisting with the bushfire recovery efforts (performing tasks deemed ‘specified work) will be able to extend their time with the same employer until the expiration of their visa.
The 417 and 462 visas are valid for 1 year and may be extended for another 1 year if the visa holder undertakes at least 88 days of ‘specified work’ in regional areas of Australia. They may then be able to get a further and final 1 year extension by repeating the ‘specified work’ process.
The changes also mean that the work completed (paid or voluntary) may also be counted toward the ‘specified work’ needed to extend their 417/462 visa for another year.
This is expected to be a welcome relief for many areas whose businesses have been impacted by a reduction in tourism and spending.
Contact us to discuss how these changes could allow you to work for your employer longer, or extend your time in Australia.
