Fears visa change for British backpackers spells trouble for outback businesses

Outback business operators are worried about staffing shortages in the peak tourist season due to changes in visa requirements for some backpackers.

From July 1, backpackers from the United Kingdom can apply for up to three visas under the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) scheme without having to complete three months of “specified work”.

The change is the result of the free trade agreement between Australia and the UK.

The “88 days” – as backpackers refer to the rite of passage – is a staple of the Australian experience and involves visitors spending time picking fruit and working in hospitality.

But backpackers on a UK passport will no longer be required to complete the 88 days — meaning they can essentially choose Bondi over Birdsville and potentially leave areas lacking crucial seasonal workforces.

Backpacker Job Board founder Matthew Heyes called the change a “double-edged sword”.

“If you look at the data at the moment for post-COVID travel it’s really strong, and there is that demand for the Working Holiday Maker scheme,” he said.

In 2022-2023, more than 38,000 WHM visas were granted to UK citizens.

About 27,000 were issued to French citizens and more than 21,000 to workers from Ireland.

The change only applies to UK travellers.

Mr Heyes anticipates the relaxation of the program requirements will see even more UK backpackers come to Australia, but he is worried they will head straight for the coastal towns and miss the outback altogether.

“The 88-day program was really good in that it helped direct backpackers into regional Australia, where they would come not only for the work, but they would also spend their dollars there,” he said.

‘Huge reliance’

Outback Aussie Tours owner Alan Smith said there was a “huge reliance” on backpackers in Western Queensland.

“Tourism is quite seasonal and we do need a seasonal and transient population to fill that gap,” he said.

“So anything that affects that and changes the supply of those people … is really concerning.”

UK backpackers make up about a third of the staff at the Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe.

Owner Tracy Hatch said the visa changes would be “detrimental to staffing a lot of these places” in the outback.

But she hoped the quirks and charms of country life would still attract backpackers.

“If we promote our region and all it has to offer … they would come on their own terms and would want to be here, as opposed to having to be here,” Ms Hatch said.

‘Love the place’

British backpacker Sarah Clark decided to go to the outback because she wanted to, rather than out of obligation.

She is one of the first backpackers who will not be required to do the 88-days of work to ensure approval for a subsequent working visa.

After three months in Ilfracombe Ms Clark is planning to pursue permanent residency.

“I just love the place and I don’t want to go home,” she said.

Ms Clark said the abolition of the 88-day requirement could deter some travellers from venturing to rural and regional areas, but others would still seek the rural experience.

Co-worker Carrie Kesterton, also from the UK, said she went to Ilfracombe because of the visa requirements, but has loved her time in the outback.

“I would still recommend coming out here, because the rural areas do need [workers],” she said.