Tourism and hospitality added to critical sectors

Update: 16 June 2021

On 8 May 2021, Minister for Immigration, Hon Alex Hawke, announced more support for Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector by providing greater flexibility during the Covid-19 pandemic period. The announcement included:
  • allowing student visa holders in the tourism and hospitality sector to work more than the 40 hours a fortnight work limitation
  • access to temporary visa holders for the 408 Covid-19 Pandemic event for a period of 12 months if they work in the tourism and hospitality sector 

Legislative Instrument LIN 21/038 came into effect on 14 May 2021 adding the Tourism and Hospitality sector to the list of critical sectors for the SC 408 'COVID pandemic stream' visa.

The Instrument also provides a definition of the ‘tourism and hospitality sector’ - as that where the employer is classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) system under the Division of Accommodation and Food Services. This will also include work for employers whose primary purpose is to directly provide a service to tourists, when their activities are not listed in the Division of Accommodation and Food Services under the ANZSIC system.

International students working in Tourism and Hospitality sector can find more information about the temporary relaxation of their work rights on the Australian Government website. 

If you are working in a critical sector and would like us to assess your eligibility to apply for SC 408 – Covid-19 Pandemic stream visa, contact one of our Registered Migration Agents on 1300 98 70 71.