The End of the Pandemic Event Visa: What You Need to Know
In a significant move, the Albanese Labor Government has announced the closure of the Pandemic Event visa, effective from February 2024.
This decision comes as the circumstances that originally led to the creation of this visa no longer exist, and it aims to provide certainty to Australia’s visa system.
Starting from September 2, 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only accept applications from existing Pandemic Event visa holders, making all other visa holders ineligible for this program. This transitional measure is designed to ensure the integrity of the visa system.
People with valid Pandemic Event visas will remain lawful until the expiration of their current visas.
This staged closure is part of the government’s efforts to streamline the visa system and meet the needs of the Australian people.
The Albanese Government has been actively addressing challenges left by the previous administration, including backlog issues and delays in the migration system.
The recent termination of pandemic-related measures, such as unlimited work hours for international students and work exemptions for Working Holiday visa holders, is part of a broader strategy to manage Net Overseas Migration and support a return to pre-pandemic levels of population growth.
Starting September 2, 2023, new Pandemic Event visa applications will be granted a six-month visa, and a Visa Application Charge of $405 AUD will be introduced.
These changes aim to ensure that the visa is used exclusively by individuals with a genuine need to remain and contribute to Australia.
For those currently holding a Pandemic Event visa who wish to apply for a different visa, they will need to meet the specific criteria for that visa.
People without alternative visa options are expected to depart Australia when their Pandemic Event visa expires.
Statements from Minister Giles
The Pandemic Event visa was an important part of Australiaβs visa system during the pandemic. Many people on temporary visas helped Australia during this period. Weβre providing an opportunity for people who hold a Pandemic Event visa to explore another visa option, or plan to leave Australia Delivery of the 2023β24 Migration Program.
Under the Liberals, our migration system wasnβt working for anyone. There was no plan to deal with how the borders reopened.
Weβve brought wait times down, and weβre working to make sure our migration system is working again for all AusΒtralians after a decade of mess and mismanagement under the Liberals.
SOURCE
- Department of Home Affairs
Disclaimer:
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the materials contained in this post, this communication is not intended to constitute legal or immigration advice or assistance. No person should act on the basis of the material contained in this post without obtaining advice relevant to their own circumstances and without considering and taking professional advice as may be necessary.
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