Australian Extends Seasonal Work Visa Programme

10 Aug 2013

Officials have communicated to include the accommodation sector, the trial seasonal workers visa programme in Australia that has been expanded. Citizenship’s Special Programme visa category allows employers who are approved as Special programme sponsors to sponsor people to participate as seasonal workers those from eligible countries. The Seasonal worker programme is part of the Department of Australian Immigration.

Businesses related to Accommodation are now be able to employ seasonal labour through the programme that is open until 30 June 2016. The eligible countries include Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste have memoranda of Understanding agreements in place with the Government of Australia. Minster for Employment Brandan O’Connor said that extension of the trail, is already underway in Northern Territory, Broome, the Whitsundays Coast, Kangaroo Island and Tropical Queensland and will allow businesses related to accommodation in Western Australia’s tourism industry. At times of local labour shortages, to hire seasonal workers from abroad.  In 2012/2013, 1,500 seasonal workers were recruited by participating employers. Seasonal workers can be recruited to work in positions like bar staff, café workers, kitchen hands and housekeepers in the accommodation sector.