Australia Extends Visas for International Students and Temporary Workers
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia has extended the visas of international students and temporary workers through a COVID-19 event visa introduced in 2020. This initiative, initially temporary, has provided support to individuals whose visas were expiring during the pandemic. Approximately 66,000 special COVID-19 visas have been issued, allowing students and workers to maintain their education and employment in Australia.
While Australia implemented stringent border controls due to the pandemic, it has gradually reopened its borders, permitting fully vaccinated visa holders to enter. China and India remained key sources of international students in Australia during 2022.
The arrival of over 43,000 international students in May signals the recovery of the international education sector, which contributes $40 billion to the economy. Last year, the government temporarily removed the work hour cap for international students, allowing extended work hours, but the limit reverted to 20 hours per week in June.