New Subclass 408 Visa to Combat Coronavirus for Healthcare Workers
On 3rd April 2020, the Australian government introduced a new visa option in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
A new stream of the 408 visa is in effect for those who are unable to depart Australia and also to address workforce shortages rising in critical sectors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is the subclass 408 visa for?
If you are a temporary visa holder with a visa that recently expired or will expire soon and want to continue to stay in Australia, this may be the visa for you.
Especially if you have a background working in an essential area of work such as providing child care, health care, aged care, disability care etc.
What is this new 408 visa?
The COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) allows the person to:
Remain in Australia if there are no other visa options and they are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;
remain in Australia to assist in critical sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is a critical sector?
‘Critical sector’ is not legally defined. It relates to areas including, but not limited to agriculture, aged care, disability care, child care and public health. Essentially, this visa is purposed to allow people to undertake critical work relating to the supply of essential goods and services, provided the person falls within the class of persons specified by the instrument.
Please contact us for a legal assessment of whether your area of work is considered a “critical sector”.
How easy is it to get the new subclass 408 visa?
The visa application charge is NIL and no endorsement is required from the Government.
However, there are certain restrictions that limits certain groups of people to apply for this visa, more specifically relating to their visa status and/or immigration history.
If you wish to extend your stay in Australia during the coronavirus situation, please contact us immediately to discuss your options.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Our firm has created a Special Coronavirus (COVID-19) Taskforce to help our clients battle through and find solutions during this Pandemic. Our team is equipped and trained to advise you on across a wide range of issues you may be encountering.
We speak fluent English, Korean, Burmese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.