The Australian government is making further changes to student visa work conditions to help boost frontline health efforts to tackle coronavirus.
International students studying relevant medical courses will be exempt from the usual 40-hour per fortnight work limit, if they are working in support of coronavirus health efforts and at the direction of the relevant health authority. International students currently working for registered disability service providers will also be exempt.
“We are ensuring state and territory health services have the people they need to continue testing for and treating coronavirus cases so we can stay on top of this crisis,” Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said.
“We’re also ensuring we have enough workers to support those with disability, as many in the current workforce are required to quarantine or take time out to care for their own families.”
“Around 8,000 international students already work as aged and disability carers and allowing them to work more hours makes sense.”
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the changes would ensure Australia has the health workforce available to continue our coronavirus success.
“The plan supports the extensive measures all governments have enacted to support the safety of Australians with disability, NDIS participants and providers, reducing their exposure to the virus and maintaining essential supports,” Mr Robert said.
The measures for the disability sector only apply to international students already in Australia and already employed. Businesses that need to bring on new employees should still attempt to hire Australian workers first.
The measures for international students enrolled in medical university or vocational courses apply to students working under the direction of State or Territory authorities.
More information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
