BRISBANE—Labour shortages in the construction industry have led to a change to Australia's working holiday visa system.
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans today said working holiday visa extensions would be available for those who had worked in the construction industry in regional Australia for at least three months.
Previously the visa extensions applied only to those who worked for a primary producer in regional Australia for three months.
The extended visas had proved popular, with almost 12,000 second working holiday visas expected to be granted in 2007-08.
"This measure will further boost the number of people coming to Australia on working holiday visas to work, play and spend money," Senator Evans said.
The number of working holiday makers has more than doubled in the past 10 years.
In 2007-08, 155,000 visas are likely to be granted compared to 134,612 in 2006-07.
It is estimated up to 180,000 visas may be granted in 2008-09.
"The increasing numbers of working holiday makers will continue to meet the needs of other industries that employ the backpackers and will not be disadvantaged by the extension of the concession to the construction industry," Senator Evans said.
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