The federal government has announced another attempt to boost Australia’s workforce, and draw overseas workers to fill the gaps that continue to plague local industries despite the plethora of opportunities that exist. 

The new plan will see offshore Working Holiday Maker and Student visa holders reimbursed with their Visa Application Charge if they arrive within 12 weeks (Working Holiday Maker) or eight weeks (students).

The change could see travellers refunded by up to $630, providing a potential drawcard over other countries. 

According to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the change will create an opportunity for 175,000 more employees to fill seats and roles in the Australian workforce, albeit temporarily.

“We’re putting out the welcome mat to 175,000 (visa holders) to come to Australia and to take up this opportunity by ensuring they get that rebate,” Mr Frydenberg said. 

If effective, the new workers could bring relief to the agriculture industry which was brought to its knees amid the pandemic, with a lack of working holiday makers hampering harvests over the last two years, in areas where staff have been few and far between.

“It’s changes to the visa requirements that are going to make a real difference,” Mr Frydenberg said.

New visa applicants will supposedly be processed faster to increase the take up from travellers. 

The changes also include the removal of barriers to work for visa holders that echo the additional hours allowed for student visa holders working in critical fields during Covid-19.

According to the changes, the government is temporarily extending this arrangement by removing the limit on Student visa holders’ working hours across all sectors of the economy.

Additionally, effective immediately and until the end of 2022, there will be no limit on the length of time Working Holiday Makers can work for the same employer.

Mr Frydenberg said that the measures are temporary and designed to provide immediate assistance to Australian businesses that are currently facing critical workforce shortages, to enable them to continue delivering goods and services to the community.

The new measures will only apply to fully-vaccinated travellers who meet the visa requirements, with some changes coming under review in April this year.