The New Agricultural Visa for South East Asian Countries

The Australian Government has recently announced a new agricultural visa that will allow workers from South East Asian Countries to work on farms in Australia. This visa will likely be introduced because of the proposed abolishment of the requirement for UK working holiday makers to undertake farmwork in order to extend their visa. The new agricultural visa will be different from the Pacific labour and seasonal worker schemes.

The countries eligible for the new agricultural visa include:

• • Indonesia
  • Myanmar
  • Vietnam
  • Singapore
  • The Philippines
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Laos
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia.

Immigration has yet to announce the specifics regarding the new agricultural visa, however it has been stated by government officials that that the new agricultural visa will likely be for 3 years in duration. This visa will require the holders to have six to nine months of agricultural work in Australia every year. The agricultural visa holder will likely have to return to their home country for 3 months of every year.

Please note, it is not yet known when applicants will be allowed to apply for this new visa. However, I would expect it to be sometime in 2022.

Pathway to Aus will be sure to let you know as soon as there are any updates on this visa.