Work Holiday Visas have the potential to bring in $700 million in a span of ten years.
Australia’s tourism industry is missing out according to the Australian Tourism Expert Council, and it suggests that the age range should be increased and the financial requirements should be changed for WHVs.
The Council recently issued a paper titled “The Importance of the Work Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)” advocating changes to be made so that travelers can get WHVs multiple times.
This would help our economy deal with the increasing labour shortages whilst also helping Australia’s tourism sector.
There are four measures the Council suggests to be taken for this to occur.
- Add tourism and hospitality industries to the list of defined regional industries.
The current scheme provides WHV holders the opportunity to extend their visa for 12 months if they undertake 88 days of work in one of the listed regional industries. - Increase the upper age limit for a WHV from 30 to 35.
- Allow travelers to obtain a WHV multiple times.
Currently, travelers are limited to one time with a possibility to extend for a second year.
A study was done that showed 11% of WHV holders would revisit Australia for work if they were allowed to obtain a WHV again – that is an expected $275 million dollars Australia loses over a 10 year period.
The Migration Place has helped hundreds of working holiday visa holders apply for Permanent residency, and we believe that the WHV scheme means skilled foreigners can stay here longer (spending money here and supporting our economy) )and work (solving skilled labour shortages).
In the process they fall in love with the country (or one of its citizens!) and look to call Australia home forever.
People who can afford to travel and live here have to be motivated individuals in the first place, so a more relaxed WHV program can only help attract skilled workers to our shores.