News & Insights

The Government announced today (31 August 2023) that they will be closing the Subclass 408 Pandemic event visa in February 2024. This visa was introduced to provide a lawful way for individuals to remain in Australia over the pandemic where they could not reasonably depart.

Restrictions will apply starting 2 September

The Government announced that the will also be restricting applications from 2 September 2023. Only current holders of the Pandemic event visa will be able to make an application for the visa and will incur a visa charge of $405 where previously there was no fee. The visa length will also be limited to six months as opposed to the one and two year visas that were previously granted.

This is a further step by the Government in ending concessions put in place during the pandemic including work hours for student visa holders and work exemptions for working holiday makers.

What does this mean for you?

Many Australian businesses and individual visa holders have taken advantage of this fee free visa with unlimited working rights over the pandemic. If you hold this visa or if your business employs a person who holds this visa, you will need to explore alternative visa arrangements such as employer sponsorship.

Please contact the Immigration experts at Macpherson Kelley to discuss these options.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.