Australia updates conditions for 417 and 462 visas to support bushfire recovery

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has today agreed to update and broaden the conditions for holders of Subclass 417 and 462 Working Holiday Maker visas to allow them to help in the bushfire recovery without breaching visa conditions. The time they can work for an employer has been extended from six to 12 months and the work description now include construction work in a disaster area.

“These changes to specified work for working holiday visa holders will mean more options for extending their stay, while assisting with the bushfire recovery efforts and injecting more money into these local economies in bushfire ravaged areas,” said Australian Migration Agent Lisa De Leon.“ It's a win-win situation.”

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge agreed.

“These hard-working Australians have been hit by the recent bushfires, but from today they can employ backpackers for six months longer, helping them at a critical time in the recovery effort,” Tudge said. “It means working holiday makers can help rebuild homes, fences and farms, they can get onto properties and help with demolition, land clearing, and repairing dams, roads and railways.”

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