Cerberus1 Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 The Australian Tourism Export Council is calling on the Federal Government to allow backpackers on working holiday visas to extend their stay by a year if they spend 3 months working in tourism in regional Australia. ATEC says there are thousands of job vacancies in the tourism sector and that changes to the visa system could help to fill them. ATEC Director, Felicia Mariani said ATEC has been strongly advocating for the extension of the ‘regional’ classification to the tourism industry – allowing Working Holiday Visa holders to extend their visa by 12 months after completing 88 days of work in a regional industry. Under the existing rules, Working Holidays Makers must complete 88 days in a defined regional industry; either agriculture, horticulture, forestry, mining, construction or fishing, in order to qualify for a second year extension. Of those who complete this required period of work, 95% actually extend their stay. Felicia Mariani said, “The current situation only sees around 22,000 people heading to regional areas to find work in defined industries to qualify for the possible second year extension. There are 162,000 Working Holiday Visas issued each year in Australia; this means there are another 140,000 potential Working Holiday Visa visitors who could contribute to the Australian economy. “Within the 162,000 Working Holiday Visas issued each year, there is a clear desire from these people to work in the tourism sector and it is very likely the uptake on the 2nd year extension would be significantly higher." Full Story @ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-13/calls-to-give-backpackers-longer-visas-for-tourism-work/3827296 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 This would be great for Cairns as there are tons of tourism/hospitality jobs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 yeah when i had a look at jobs there was heaps of tourism jobs, especially up your neck of the woods. would be a good idea to add them to the list for your regional work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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