The Covid-19 Pandemic has caused job losses in Australia and has affected its economy severely. International students couldn’t have work flexible hours to work in Australian territories and states. However, a piece of good news is circulating for overseas students who’re employed in Australian supermarkets can work for more than 40 flexible hours.
According to Alex Hawke, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs of Australia, the Morrison Government has officially allowed supermarkets of Australian states and territories to employ international students. Supermarkets in Victoria and New South Wales which have been most affected due to the lockdown can now hire international students and allow them to work for more than 40 hours per fortnight.
Statements by Alex Hawke for Flexible hours
“Supermarket workers have been unsung heroes of the pandemic. They stepped up to ensure Australians have access to essential items, and they have kept doing so during the pandemic’s darkest days.”
Alex Hawk, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs of Australia was reported saying that Australian supermarkets have played a great role in providing the necessary items to people during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Therefore, this move will help supermarkets to continue providing their services to the Australian community.
“This temporary measure ensures that supermarkets can continue to provide their critical services to the community and it provides essential workers themselves with added income flexibility during lockdowns.”
This decision has been made to help supermarkets to meet the high demands of customers for critical good. This is a temporary change which will be implemented in all supermarkets located in New South Wales and Victoria.
Balance Work and Study despite More Flexible Hours for International Students
The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) and the Australian Border Force have emphasized that overseas students employed in Australian supermarkets must continue to work along with their studies. Even though, international students can now work for more than 40 flexible hours in Australian supermarkets.
Statement by DOHA
“If you are working or have an offer of employment in one of the sectors above, and you have finished your course, you may be eligible for a COVID-19 Pandemic (subclass 408) visa. You can only apply for this visa 90 days before your student visa is due to expire. You do not need to contact us if you wish to work more than 40 hours per fortnight in one of the sectors listed above.”
The Government of Australia has advised international students to maintain their course enrolment. They must meet satisfactory course attendance and course progress along with their work. According to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA), international students who couldn’t attend their course classes or have canceled their employment or failed to meet the satisfactory course progress might be in breach of their Student Visa conditions.
Conclusion
The economy of Australia has been affected badly due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. International students had to lose their jobs in Australia due to quarantine and isolation orders. However, Alex Hawke confirmed the news that Morrison Government has announced to give flexible hours for international students employed in all New South Wales and Victorian supermarkets.
As supermarkets are important to supply the essential goods to people. Therefore, this move will help them to continue providing their services and fill the positions for their staff by hiring eligible international students.
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- Best Courses to get PR in Australia for International Students 2021
- When will Australia open its borders for international students?
I’m Nasir Nawaz. I’m a registered migration consultant in Australia. I am based in Sydney. I’ve studied Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. I’m providing immigration services for several years.
Consult with me for legal advice on Australian visas to permanently live, study, and work in Australia.
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
