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Move to extend backpacker labour


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EXTENDING working holiday visas so backpackers can stay and work longer in agricultural jobs could make a difference to the chronic labour shortages facing Australia’s farming and rural sectors.

Currently, backpackers under the age of 30 can visit Australia for 12 months under 417 visas where they are permitted to work six months of that time to help supplement their holidays.

The time-frame can be extended to 24 months if the backpackers work in regional areas for three months, while using their first visa.

Australia has reciprocal working holiday visa arrangements with the UK, Ireland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea.

Working holiday arrangements under the 462 visa classification also exist between Australia and Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Turkey, Chile and the US - encouraging cultural exchanges and closer ties.

However, when those visas expire, rural employers often face the conundrum of having to let good workers go, having trained them and developed solid working rapports - even with a local labour shortage.

For the full story:

http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/agribusiness-and-general/general/move-to-extend-backpacker-labour/2620064.aspx

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