Do British citizens need to do 88 days?

Abolishment of 88-Day Regional Work Requirement for British Working Holidaymakers in Australia

The Australian government has recently abolished the 88-day regional work requirement for British citizens holding working holiday visas. This move aims to address labor shortages in the agricultural sector.

Previously, British working holidaymakers were required to work in regional areas for a total of 88 days within a 12-month period. This requirement ensured a distribution of workers to сельскохозяйственные regions, which often struggle to attract and retain labor.

However, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) expressed concerns that the exemption granted to British citizens would exacerbate labor shortages in the agricultural industry. The NFF argued that other nationalities, such as Germans and French, should also be eligible for the exemption to ensure a fair distribution of labor.

The government’s decision to abolish the 88-day requirement for British citizens is part of a wider effort to attract and retain skilled workers in Australia. The country has faced a shortage of skilled labor across various sectors, including healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

The exemption for British citizens is expected to make Australia a more attractive destination for working holidaymakers from the United Kingdom. It allows them to travel and work more flexibly without the need to commit to regional employment.

Despite the NFF’s concerns, the government believes that the exemption will benefit the Australian economy overall. By making it easier for British citizens to work in Australia, the country can access a wider pool of skilled workers and address labor shortages in various industries.

The government has also implemented other measures to support the agricultural sector, such as increasing funding for seasonal worker programs and providing incentives to attract and retain workers in rural areas.

The abolition of the 88-day regional work requirement for British working holidaymakers is a significant change that has both benefits and challenges. It remains to be seen how the exemption will impact the labor market and the agricultural industry in the long term.