Australia considers tightening visa rules amid surge in UK backpackers

Australia is considering changes to its working holiday visa agreement with the UK after a sharp rise in British arrivals raised concerns about pressure on local labour markets.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated he wants to revisit provisions introduced under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which removed the requirement for British backpackers to undertake regional work as a condition of their visa.

The changes also extended the maximum visa duration to three years and raised the age eligibility limit to 35.

According to the Australian government, British working holidaymaker numbers have more than doubled, rising from 40,000 two years ago to 87,000 last year. Many are concentrating on major destinations, particularly Sydney and its coastal suburbs, rather than travelling to regional areas where labour shortages have traditionally supported the scheme.

“They are staying at Bondi Beach or Coogee or around particularly the capital cities and working in hospitality there. That’s placing enormous pressure because it’s distorting the labour market in these areas as well,” Albanese told parliament.

The issue was reportedly discussed during talks with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last week, although neither government has committed to changing the agreement.

Any revision could have implications for British travellers planning extended stays in Australia, particularly those combining tourism with employment.

Changes to visa eligibility or working conditions could affect trip duration, employment plans, and the suitability of existing travel insurance cover, making close monitoring of policy developments important for brokers and providers serving the working holiday market.