25 September :The Australian government has decided to fast-track visa processing for agricultural workers ahead of the harvest season, easing concerns among farmers and farm operators over a potential labour shortage.
Australia is one of the world’s major exporters of wheat, barley and canola. Harvesting is due to begin in various parts of the country within the next few weeks, creating significant demand for foreign seasonal workers across the agricultural sector.
However, visa processing for various categories has slowed following the government’s recent decision to reduce overall migration. While visas were previously issued within a few days in many cases, processing can now take several months. This has raised concerns over whether sufficient workers will be available during the harvest season.
Against this backdrop, the government has introduced special arrangements for the agricultural sector. Agricultural organisations will now be able to request priority visa processing for foreign workers by demonstrating an urgent labour requirement.
Leaders of farmers’ organisations have welcomed the government’s initiative. They said the new arrangements would make it easier to secure the required number of foreign seasonal workers at the appropriate time during the harvest.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs said priority would be given to visa applications from foreign workers with specialised agricultural skills who have already entered into agreements with farm owners.
Although the government continues to maintain tighter immigration policies, the initiative is aimed at ensuring an adequate supply of workers in the agricultural sector and avoiding a major labour shortage during the harvest season.
Source: Reuters.