Many backpackers and other migrant workers are reluctant to come to Australia after their treatment during the COVID pandemic, a University study has found. 

The ineligibility of working visa holders to receive any financial aid during the pandemic, lack of access to healthcare, coupled with often strict pandemic rules has meant many of those who were here won't be coming back, and word has spread about this treatment. 

“Backpackers and seasonal farm workers suffered a lot hardship during the pandemic because of a lack of government support compared with what people on working visas were provided for in New Zealand, Canada and the UK," said Research fellow at the Griffith Centre for Social Cultural Research, and co-author of the report Turbulent Times: The State of Backpacking and Seasonal Farm Work Dr Kaya Barry.

"This appears to have become a problem that has spreads throughout many communities, through rumour and reputation. Australia’s image has diminished because of this, and I think for the time being many migrant workers and backpackers are looking to places like New Zealand and Canada instead of Australia”. 

 In September 2022 the National Farmers Federation reported a shortage of at least 172,000 workers across Australia. 

Their absence during COVID provided an opportunity to discover how important seasonal migrant workers and backpackers are to Australia.  

Prior to the pandemic, more than 200,000 Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas were granted every year. Just 100,000 WHM visas were granted since the easing of restrictions last year with a shortfall of almost 60% 

“The agricultural sector is expected to contribute $82 billion to the Australian economy in 2022-23, and despite claims backpackers are not a long-term solution for a steady agricultural workforce, they were doing the bulk of horticultural work prior to the pandemic” Dr Barry said. 

ABOVE: Dr Kaya Barry. Image: Griffith University. 

The report also suggested that many Pacific migrant workers often struggled to find a cultural connection when coming to work on rural properties. 

“I know it's hard for people in rural communities because they are often encountering Pacific cultures for the first time, but it's important to recognise that Pacific cultures often have very strong cultural family ties and traditions with a real emphasis on hierarchy and respect.”  

She said there was evidence that some seasonal migrant workers have experienced exploitation and found it difficult seek help due to language barriers and isolation.  

“In terms of Australia’s reputation I think we will bounce back because we have such a great natural landscape and our rates of pay are good. But I think there will also be a fear for a longtime about how well migrant and backpacker workers would be looked after and what their rights would be if there was another pandemic with lockdown restrictions,” she told the Western Plains App.