Despite speculation that the Department of Home Affairs would remove access to the Subclass 408 Temporary Work Activity visa – Australian Government Endorsed events (Covid-19 Pandemic stream), the stream remains available to temporary visa holders in Australia whom hold work rights.
This visa stream was designed for individuals who are unable to depart Australia or who can assist with Australia’s economic recovery post Covid-19 Pandemic, including ability to work for an Australian employer, originally intended to alleviate economic pressures faced within Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following introduction, the Covid-19 Pandemic event visa was expanded to allow temporary visa holders to stay in Australia for up to 12 months to work in any sector of the economy or up to two years for eligible Temporary Graduate visa. At the end of their stay, individuals are able to apply for another visa to remain in Australia. Whilst holding this visa, individuals are able to to work, travel (within Australia) and live in Australia with unrestricted work rights.
Individuals may be eligible provided they hold work rights, have evidence of employment or an offer of employment, and hold a substantive visa with work rights that expires in 90 days or less (or visa that expired 28 days ago or less)
Whilst the visa has long since been utilised by individuals to remain in Australia, it is remains unclear when the Department of Home Affairs may remove this stream in alignment with governmental priorities, therefore this it is strongly recommended that it is viewed as a temporary option rather than solution or immigration pathway.
Crystal Migration Legal Services will send out an alert as soon as further updates are available.
Should you have queries pertaining to your workforce population, please do not hesitate to get in touch.