Working Holiday Visa Changes Spark Alarm in Regional Queensland Businesses
A shake-up to Australia's working holiday visa program has left regional Queensland businesses in a state of alarm. The changes, which include limiting third-year working holiday visas to 5,000 backpackers each year, are expected to have a devastating impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors.
A sense of unease has settled over a popular Far North Queensland backpackers' hostel, as news of a shake-up to Australia's working holiday visa program spreads. Irish backpacker Fionnghuala Ni Fheinne feels uncertain about her future in Australia after the changes were announced.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed the changes to Australia's migration system, including the introduction of a ballot system for working holiday makers. One of the key changes is that third-year working holiday visas will be limited to 5,000 backpackers each year.
The tourism and hospitality sectors in regional Queensland have expressed concerns that the changes will have a devastating impact. Ms Ni Fheinne's shock was shared by others on working holiday visas in Cairns.