Temporary skilled visa holders ‘who have been stood down but not laid off’ will be able to keep their work visa, Minister Tudge announced on Saturday.
Those who have been laid off and are unable to secure another job will need to leave the country.
Highlights:
There are 2.17 million temporary visa holders in the country
Of this, more than 565,000 are student visa holders and 139,000 are temporary skilled visa holders.
Australia is home to more than 139,000 temporary skilled visa holders with many employed across sectors such as hospitality, tourism which have been severely impacted due to COVID-19 outbreak.
The crisis has left many temporary work visa holders out of job.
Indian citizen Sourabh Sanam was stood down from his job as an intern chef at a high-end Sydney restaurant last week.
The 27-year-old's visa conditions on a subclass 407 training visa mean he is not able to apply for another job and he is required to leave the country within two months of losing his employment.
But changes announced on Saturday morning will allow temporary skilled workers like Mr Sanam who have been ‘stood down and not laid off’ to stay in Australia.
“Temporary visa holders are extremely valuable to the Australian economy and way of life, but the reality is that many Australians will find themselves out of work due to the dual health and economic crisis we’re currently facing, and these Australians and permanent residents must be the Government’s number one focus,” Minister Tudge said.
Australia has around 139,000 temporary skilled visa holders, on either a two-year or four-year visa.
“They were provided the visa to fill a skills shortage – a shortage that may still be present when the crisis has passed.
“Consequently, those visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid off, will maintain their visa validity and businesses will have the opportunity to extend their visa as per normal arrangements.
“Businesses will also be able to reduce the hours of the visa holder without the person being in breach of their visa condition,” Minister Tudge announced.
‘Those laid off should leave the country’
Minister Tudge has though asked temporary skilled visa holders who have been laid off to return to their countries.
“Those visa holders who have been laid off due to coronavirus should leave the country in line with existing visa conditions if they are unable to secure a new sponsor,” he said.
“However, should a 4-year visa holder be re-employed after the coronavirus pandemic, their time already spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.”
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No access to government’s economic stimulus package but can access superannuation
Temporary migrants will be allowed to access their superannuation to keep them afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These visa holders will also be able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation this financial year.”
Those who are still not able to economically support themselves under the measures are being urged to return to their home country.
“Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves under these arrangements over the next six months are strongly encouraged to return home. For these individuals, it’s time to go home, and they should make arrangements as quickly as possible,” Minister Tudge said.
However, it may not be as simple as buying a ticket back home for many.
COVID-19 travel restrictions mean many cannot return to their home countries.
Countries like India have banned all commercial international flights till midnight April 14, 2020.
Hundreds of Indians which include temporary work visa holders, visitors, student visa holders are desperate to return home but there are no flight options for them.
Those who are unable to return have been asked to secure a new visa.
“They need to contact their relevant embassy. They should also call the Department of Home Affairs to discuss their circumstances, especially if their visa is about to expire,” Minister Tudge told SBS Hindi.
The Department of Home Affairs has advised temporary visa holders can apply for another visa to extend their stay in Australia if they are unable to travel amid coronavirus outbreak. Find out more .
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
Disclaimer: We’d like to point out that the information contained in this segment is general and is not specific advice. If you would like accurate information relevant to your situation, you should consult a health practitioner.
