New Australian visa rules limit second‑year working holidays for Irish

Australia has approved tougher visa rules that will make it harder for young Irish travellers to obtain a second‑year Working Holiday visa.

The changes were announced by Labour Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as part of a broader effort to curb the number of backpackers working in the country, amid a rise in support for an anti‑immigration party.

Under the previous system, Irish citizens employed in certain regional sectors could automatically apply for a second year of the Working Holiday visa after six months of work. The new policy replaces this with a ballot system, meaning applicants will be entered into a draw for the limited places available – 45,000 for a second year and 5,000 for a third.

Last year, 57,000 Irish nationals qualified for the second‑year visa, but under the ballot some will now miss out. Holders of British passports are exempt from the lottery, and those with skills in priority areas such as construction, healthcare, teaching or agriculture may apply for alternative visas or employer sponsorship.

Migration agent Andrew McDonagh warned that processing times have lengthened, with some applications now taking up to three months. He advised prospective travellers not to book flights until their visa is granted and to consider long‑term visa options early.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Kate Branch / Pexels.