Australia just made a big statement that would affect the country's temporary employees and overseas students. The Pandemic Event visa, also known as Subclass 408, will no longer be issued by the Australian government as of February 2024. The decision to make this change stems from the fact that the reasons for adopting this visa because of the epidemic are no longer valid.

A Closer Look at the Changes

On September 2, 2023, a new regulation went into effect as part of this transition. From that point onward, only current visa holders may apply for the Pandemic Event visa. 

New candidates must pay an application fee of 405 AUD and will be given a six-month visa. This modification aims to ensure that only individuals who require the visa to remain in Australia and contribute to its economy utilise it.

Existing Pandemic Event visa holders don't need to worry because they are still valid till the end of their current visa. The expectation is that those who are unable to locate alternative visa options will depart Australia when their visa expires.

The Impact and Background

The epidemic visa was primarily designed to help international students in Australia who were stuck in the country at the height of the epidemic. It authorised repeated journeys to and from Australia over this prolonged period and allowed students whose visas had expired to extend their stay in Australia for an additional 12 months.

Despite its original purpose, this visa drew attention since it let people work an unlimited number of hours for 12 months, raising questions about potential abuse. Even after the pandemic had subsided, some 60,000 foreign students and temporary workers continued to extend their stays in Australia because of this visa.

The Australian government's plan to phase down pandemic-related policies, including measures like unlimited work hours for overseas students and work exemptions for holders of Working Holiday visas, is supported by this decision to end the Pandemic Event visa.

In short, the Australian government's decision to discontinue the Pandemic Event visa as of February 2024 demonstrates its dedication to keeping its immigration system fair and upholding its commitment to adjusting to changing conditions. The impacted temporary employees and international students will need to look into alternate visa alternatives to extend their stay in Australia.

FAQS

When will new applications for the Pandemic Event visa stop being accepted?

The Pandemic Event visa will only accept applications from current visa holders beginning on September 2, 2023. An initial visa is granted for six months.

What is the application fee for the Pandemic Event visa after September 2, 2023?

Starting on September 2, 2023, new applicants for the Pandemic Event visa will have to submit an AUD405 application fee.