Working holiday visa freeze threatens seasonal farm labor ahead of harvest
The Australian government has halted working holiday visa applications from most source countries and introduced a new priority system, leaving farmers worried about a labour shortfall as the harvest season approaches.
The federal government has suspended working holiday visa applications from 24 of the 29 eligible countries and introduced a priority framework that favours skilled visas for defence, policing, construction, health and teaching roles. This policy shift, aimed at curbing net overseas migration, has left agricultural employers scrambling for staff as the harvest window narrows. Victorian contractor Matt Bourke, who expected to hire 30 workers for the grain harvest, says none of his working holiday visas have been approved, despite a history of relying on the same overseas crews.
In the Northern Territory, mango packing manager Phillipa Johnson also faces a shortage, with pending visa applications delaying the arrival of seasonal pickers. The National Farmers Federation estimates that foreign workers make up about half of the peak harvest casual labour pool, while the Department of Home Affairs cautions applicants against arranging travel until they receive written confirmation of a visa grant.
Why it matters
Australia's food supply and farm incomes could be hit if the visa pause prevents enough seasonal workers from arriving for the harvest.
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