Visa Glitch Hits WA Hospitality, Backpackers Flee
Sydney News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · The Daily News Now!
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (api.fastcast.ai) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Visa Loophole Disrupts Western Australias Hospitality Industry: A Tale of Two Regions
In Western Australia, a peculiar visa loophole is causing a stir in the hospitality sector. Rottnest Island, classified as remote, allows backpackers to extend their working holiday visas by working in hospitality jobs. However, areas like Margaret River, despite their need for workers, dont qualify as remote, leaving hospitality businesses high and dry.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that only farm jobs in the South West count towards visa days, forcing skilled hospitality workers to leave their jobs for remote farm work. This constant turnover is causing significant financial strain and retraining costs for businesses.
Meanwhile, Rottnest Island bosses argue that their A-class reserve status makes it difficult to attract staff, despite the allure of ferry rides from Perth. The Department of Home Affairs is currently reviewing the program to balance regional labor needs with cultural exchange goals and reduce exploitation risks, hinting at potential changes to ease the situation.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
[email protected]
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to [email protected].
View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/0e4db1bf3dd404a1