The Australian Federal Government has paused processing of Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa applications from 24 countries as of 24 August 2026. Additionally, visa processing for applicants from 19 further countries has been delayed, though these countries have not been specified.
Countries Affected and Visa Status
The Department of Home Affairs lists the visa application status as “paused” for the following 24 countries: 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. Working holiday visa applications from these countries will not proceed while the pause
remains in effect, and applicants from an additional 19 countries face slower visa processing.
Impact on Regional Agriculture and Tourism
Regional agriculture and tourism sectors, which rely heavily on working holidaymakers to meet seasonal labor demands, are expected to experience significant labor shortages. Industries such as horticulture, grain harvesting, wine production, farming, and tourism operations face risks during peak summer and harvest seasons due to the decreased availability of backpacker workers.
Nationals WA leader Shane Love highlighted particular concerns for Western Australia’s South West and Gascoyne regions, where horticulture, grain, and wine sectors are dependent on flexible seasonal workers. He noted existing challenges such as fuel
supply constraints, drought, and feral animal pressures that complicate operational sustainability for these industries.
Government and Industry Responses
Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, confirmed that WHM visas continue to be processed but at a slower rate. He emphasized the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme as the main visa program supporting agriculture and stated it will proceed without changes. Minister Burke also noted that stronger worker protections in PALM had previously caused some operators to prefer using backpacker labor, contrary to the scheme’s intent.
Shadow Minister for Tourism David Littleproud criticized the government’s sudden pause on WHM visas, warning it would
severely disrupt regional tourism and agriculture. Littleproud pointed out that working holidaymakers do not contribute substantially to urban housing or infrastructure pressures and urged the government to provide immediate clarity and consult with industry groups. He said, “Regional tourism operators rely on backpackers arriving in time for the summer season. Cutting off that pipeline with no warning and no consultation will leave businesses short-staffed right when they need workers most.” He also underscored the need for policy certainty for regional employers.
Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden described the slowing of working holiday visa processing as a threat to grain
harvest efficiency and effectiveness. Madden noted that many growers depend on working holiday visa holders during critical harvest periods and warned that this policy change adds to existing burdens from fuel and fertilizer supply challenges. WA Grains Group Chair Alastair Falconer reported recent recruitment efforts have found fewer working holiday visa holders available to assist during harvest.
Migration Policy Context
The visa processing pause is part of the government’s broader migration management strategy amid political pressure concerning net migration, which has risen to 1.4 million since the current administration took office. Industry groups have raised concerns that the pause was implemented without prior
consultation, leaving regional businesses uncertain just weeks after annual visa caps were reset.
The National Farmers’ Federation’s 2024 report documented the critical role working holidaymakers play as seasonal labor in sectors with persistent workforce shortages. The federation has emphasized the importance of maintaining access to this workforce to support regional economies and ensure productivity during peak periods.
Impact on Prospective Workers and Employers
Prospective working holidaymakers from the 24 countries with paused visa applications currently cannot proceed with their plans to work seasonally in Australia. Those from the additional 19 countries face uncertain wait times due to delayed processing. Employers across regional Australia relying on backpackers
for seasonal labor face potential understaffing, which risks productivity during critical agricultural and tourism periods.
