The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) is urging the Regional Migration Review to broaden the specified work requirements for Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa holders to encompass the hospitality and tourism sectors. This move aims to address significant staffing shortages in these critical industries.
In the fiscal year ending March 2024, WHM visa holders contributed $3 billion to the Australian economy and generated over 11,000 jobs nationwide, with a notable impact in regional areas.
The ATIC’s submission to the Regional Migration Review advocates for the inclusion of tourism and hospitality roles in the specified work criteria, which currently focus solely on the agriculture sector. This inclusion would enable WHM visa holders to extend their stay in Australia for up to three years.
Additionally, the ATIC is calling on Tourism Australia to allocate $5 million to attract and distribute WHM visa holders across the country more effectively.
Evan Hall, Chair of the ATIC, emphasizes the importance of WHM visa holders to the Australian tourism and regional economies. He points out that these workers stay significantly longer, spend more, and visit more states and regions compared to other international tourists.
“WHM visa holders not only fill essential roles within tourism and hospitality but also contribute extensively to regional employment,” Hall said. “Their extended stays and increased spending power greatly benefit regional areas.”
Currently, WHM visa holders must fulfill specified work periods in the agriculture sector to qualify for a second or third visa. Hall argues that this requirement should be expanded to include hospitality roles in regional Australia.
“Allowing WHM visa holders to work in tourism and hospitality positions while traveling would facilitate longer stays and enhance regional employment,” Hall added. “It is crucial for the Australian Government to invest in Tourism Australia to boost the attraction of WHM visa holders and the jobs they support in regional areas.”
The ATIC’s advocacy has already led to a federal commitment that WHM visas will not be restricted to a twelve-month period.