Increase in Work Hours for International Students in Australia Due to Labor Shortages

As Covid-19 makes a comeback with the Omicron variant, the supply chains and workforce in Australia face a threat yet again. The country is going through severe labor shortages in several sectors. These changing situations are prompting a lift on the 20 hours a week cap, which the international students were subject to previously. Now, these students may be able to work up to 40 hours in a fortnight. A fortnight means the period of 14 days starting on a Monday.

The businesses are still struggling to fill in the vacant positions by trying to hire almost 400,000 workers. These business groups are pressuring the government to increase the permitted working hours for international students. The government has agreed to the proposal to increase the cap by doubling it to 40 hours in a fortnight.  The Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be discussing the matters with the state and territory leaders at a national cabinet meeting, the Australian Financial Review reported.

Previously also the eligible Australian student visa holders have benefitted from this temporary relaxation. There were labor shortages fueled by Covid-19 previously as well. Back in July 2021,  the international students were allowed to work in supermarkets in areas subject to Covid-19 lockdowns. They helped the businesses to remain open and meet the high demand for critical goods and services. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and fuel stations have also employed international students to work part-time and night-shifts.  

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Time and again international students have proved to be an asset to the Australian government. They also helped reduce staffing pressure on the aged care sectors during the pandemic. “All Australians are thankful for their efforts, and the Australian government is working to ease that pressure,” said the Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt.

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Another measure that the country has taken to attract international students is by offering the master's students to stay in the country for 3 years post-graduation for work. Initially, the limit for the post-study work visa was 2 years.