- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed he is open to renegotiating elements of the UK-Australia post-Brexit free trade agreement, potentially requiring British backpackers to work in rural areas.
- Under the 2024 visa exemptions, British citizens on working holiday visas can currently stay in Australia for up to three years without mandatory regional work, unlike backpackers from other countries.
- Mr Albanese stated that he has discussed the matter with Andy Burnham, noting that the current rules have led to a concentration of British workers in Sydney and Melbourne while regional areas face worsening labour shortages.
- The proposed changes come amid a wider crackdown on Australian immigration, which includes capping visa extensions for other nations and restricting foreign students from bringing family members.
- While visitor visas are increasingly subject to strict "no further stay" conditions in Australia, UK working holidaymakers have so far remained exempt due to the existing bilateral trade deal.
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