With Australian agriculture’s biggest harvest months literally on our doorstep, the recent announcements regarding the entry of skilled workers into the country, couldn’t have come at a better time.
Officially announced by the federal government on 22 November, the changes mean that, ‘From 1 December, 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders will be able to come to Australia without needing to apply for the ABF Travel Exemption.’
So, what does this mean for the Australian agriculture industry? Casey Brown, Managing Director of Agri Labour Australia said, ‘This is a very good outcome, and I think many people in ag will feel the same way. The exodus of Working Holiday Visa holders over the last 18 months has put enormous pressure on an industry that was already facing a significant skills shortage, so this is a big step in the right direction.’
Casey added, ‘It’s just fantastic that we will soon be welcoming people who are specifically wanting to come to Australia to do agricultural work. The key now, is how quickly and seamless the visa holders can arrive.’
Under these arrangements, overseas workers must:
- Be fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA);
- Hold a valid visa for 1 of eligible visa subclasses;
- Provide proof of vaccination status;
- Present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 3 days of departure;
- Travellers to Australia must comply with the quarantine requirements in the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territory to which they plan to travel.
The team at Agri Labour Australia are already being inundated with enquiries by international residents who are keen to come to Australia for a working holiday or bring their much needed skills to the country.
Casey said, ‘The volume of international enquiries regarding the availability of work in this last day shows just how much people want to come and work in Australia. Being able to continue to support our clients and candidates while making a difference to the agriculture industry is what ALA is all about and we applaud the federal government for stepping in and getting this happening.’
For more information visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/vaccinated-travellers
