Australia seeks talks with UK over backpacker visa rules as arrivals rise

Australia is seeking discussions with the UK about changing visa arrangements for British backpackers, following a sharp increase in arrivals that the Australian government says is putting pressure on local labour markets. Prime minister Anthony Albanese raised the issue with Andy Burnham when they met on Monday evening.

The meeting took place at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, known as Chogm, in the Caribbean. Albanese told reporters he wanted to discuss revisions to the agreement that allows British travellers to stay in Australia without completing the regional work required of backpackers from many other countries.

Previously, backpackers had to undertake roughly three months of work in regional areas as part of their visa conditions. The requirement was intended to help address worker shortages in certain occupations. A free trade agreement signed under Boris Johnson removed that obligation for Britons, while also increasing the maximum visa period to three years and raising the age limit to 35.

According to the Australian government, the relaxed conditions have pushed British traveller numbers from 40,000 two years ago to 87,000 last year. Most have gathered in Sydney and its beachside suburbs. Australians travelling to the UK also benefit from eased visa restrictions, but fewer than 10,000 made that journey last year.

Albanese told the Australian parliament that the concentration of British arrivals in particular destinations was affecting the local workforce. He said travellers were staying in Bondi Beach, Coogee and other areas around capital cities, where they were taking hospitality jobs. He described the resulting labour market pressure as substantial.

Burnham confirmed to reporters that he was meeting Albanese but offered no detail on possible revisions to the visa arrangements. Asked whether the issue would feature in their talks, he replied: “we’ll see”. A Downing Street spokesperson subsequently confirmed that visas had been discussed during the bilateral meeting in Antigua, without announcing any commitments.

An official account of the talks said the leaders had emphasised the importance of their countries’ partnership amid growing global uncertainty. They also discussed the need to provide opportunities for young people both in their home countries and overseas.

The meeting covered broader migration issues as well. The UK side provided an update on new rules being introduced for migrants seeking to settle in Britain, and the leaders discussed efforts to reduce illegal migration. They expected to continue their conversations during Chogm and remain in close contact.