📢 Press Release in collaboration with Hon Andrew Giles MP
Breaking News: The Albanese Labor Government to Discontinue Pandemic Event Visa
Starting February 2024, the Pandemic Event visa will no longer accept applications, as the circumstances that initially necessitated its implementation are no longer present, bringing clarity to our visa system.
Commencing from September 2, 2023, only current Pandemic Event visa holders will be eligible to submit applications for this visa category.
All other visa holders will not qualify for the
Pandemic Event visa, a temporary measure aimed at safeguarding visa integrity during this transitional phase.
Holders of valid Pandemic Event visas will maintain their lawful status until their existing visas expire.
The phased approach to closing the visa program is part of broader efforts to ensure the
Australian visa system effectively meets the needs of its citizens.
Upon inheriting a migration system plagued by backlogs, delays, and extensive waitlists, the Albanese Government has been committed to resolving the challenges left by the previous Liberal Government.
Recent terminations of pandemic-related measures by the Albanese Government include removing the option for unlimited work hours for international students and ceasing work exemptions for Working Holiday visa holders.
These collective measures exert downward pressure on Net Overseas Migration, which is rebounding post-pandemic, and aid the return to pre-pandemic levels of population growth.
Effective September 2, 2023, newly submitted applications will be granted a six-month visa, alongside the introduction of a $405 AUD Visa Application Charge.
These adjustments will further ensure that the visa is exclusively utilized by individuals genuinely requiring to contribute and remain in Australia.
For individuals presently holding a Pandemic Event visa who seek a different visa, meeting the criteria of the targeted visa category is necessary.
Individuals with no alternative visa options are expected to depart Australia upon the expiration of their visa.
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