- April 4, 2020
- Posted by: Ali Raza
- Category: Australia News, News
The Government has announced changes to temporary visa holders’ arrangements during the covid-19 crisis:
Visitor visa (up to 3 months visa) are encouraged to return to their home country.
International Students:
– Are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time work arrangements and their savings.
– Superannuation access if in Australia longer than 12 months and in financial hardship.
– From 1 May, working hours for international students working in major supermarkets, will return to 40 hours a fortnight.
Working Holiday (supporting critical sectors)
– If working in critical sectors will be exempt from the six-month work limitation and will be eligible for a further visa.
New Zealanders on 444 visas
– If arrived before 26 February 2001, will have access to welfare payments and the JobKeeper payment, otherwise will have access to the JobKeeper payment only.
Temporary Skilled visa (on either a 2-year or 4-year visa)
– If stood down, will maintain their visa validity and will have the opportunity to extend it as per normal arrangements. They could also have their hours reduced without breaching visa condition. Access up to $10,000 of their superannuation.
– If laid off, should leave the country. Should a 4-year visa holder be re-employed after the pandemic, their time already spent in Australia will count towards PR requirements.
Source: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidcoleman/Pages/Coronavirus-and-Temporary-Visa-holders.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2bBlnYxQ3kHp81DmTMx6RKXl5JKcL5fpfnQG0JieL5TV__ae62AbbhgTw