The Australian Government has paused the processing of Working Holiday Maker visas from 24 countries effective from the weekend before August 18, 2026. Countries affected include Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Uruguay. Visa applications from these countries show a status of “paused” on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Industry leaders warn the pause is causing labor shortages in agriculture and regional tourism. Backpackers provide vital seasonal workforces for farms, regional pubs, and tourism operators during peak
summer periods. The Nationals WA stressed concern for Western Australia’s horticulture, grain, and wine industries in the South West and Gascoyne regions, where fewer working holidaymakers threaten fruit picking and harvest capacity.
Government Statements on Visa Processing
Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, confirmed Working Holiday Maker visas continue to be processed but at a slower rate than previously. He emphasized that the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, the principal visa for agriculture, remains unaffected. Burke noted that improved worker protections under PALM led some employers to shift from PALM workers to backpackers. “That is not the way this system is meant
to work,” he said.
Regional Industry Concerns
Shane Love, Nationals WA Leader, highlighted how seasonal workers on Working Holiday Maker visas are critical for regional and remote areas facing ongoing workforce shortages. He pointed to the cumulative difficulties agriculture faces, including drought, fuel prices, and feral animal infestations, stating the visa pause adds unnecessary burdens. Matthew Madden, Chair of Grain Producers Australia, expressed alarm at the policy’s potential to reduce grain growers’ ability to meet staffing demands during critical harvest times. Alastair Falconer, WA Grains Group Chair, reported noticeably fewer working holiday visa holders available when recruiting for harvest.
Opposition Criticism and Industry Impact
Shadow Minister for Tourism
David Littleproud criticized the Government for pausing the working holiday visa program without consultation, arguing that working holidaymakers do not contribute to urban infrastructure pressures. He warned that the abrupt pause will leave regional tourism businesses short-staffed when staffing is most needed. Littleproud called for immediate government clarity and consultation with tourism and agricultural sectors, emphasizing that policy changes made without advance notice undermine regional workforce planning.
Industry Calls for Consultation
The National Farmers’ Federation has underscored the importance of backpackers in sustaining regional economies and addressing labor shortages. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly highlighted the significant contribution of working holiday visa holders to regional
productivity. The pause, introduced suddenly and shortly after annual visa caps reset, has raised calls for transparency and proper consultation as further migration policy changes continue.
