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Australia seeks to change visa deal with UK after influx of Britons
Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is considering changes to the visa agreement with the UK after more British travellers arrived under eased rules. He says many are working in hospitality in Sydney and nearby beach suburbs, putting pressure on local employment in those areas.
The agreement removed a requirement for British backpackers to complete about three months of regional work, extended their visa period to three years and raised the age limit to 35. British traveller numbers rose from 40,000 two years ago to 87,000 last year, while fewer than 10,000 Australians travelled to the UK under the reciprocal arrangements. UK and Australian leaders have discussed the issue, but neither government has announced a change.
In short
- Australia is considering changes to its UK backpacker visa deal.
- British traveller numbers rose to 87,000 last year.
- Albanese says Sydney hospitality jobs are under pressure.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Australia could reasonably argue that the eased rules have produced an imbalance: British arrivals have risen sharply, while far fewer Australians use the reciprocal route, and concentrated competition for hospitality jobs may make it harder for local workers in affected areas. Reviewing the terms could help keep the scheme fair and responsive to local employment pressures while preserving its broader benefits.
The case against
The agreement offers young people from both countries a valuable chance to travel and work, and higher British participation does not by itself show that the scheme is unfair or that local workers are being displaced. Reimposing regional work requirements or narrowing eligibility could reduce those opportunities and the benefits travellers bring to Australian businesses, so any change should be supported by clear evidence of harm.
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