Australia is considering changes to visa rules for British backpackers after a rise in traveller numbers, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said. He told Andy Burnham he wanted to discuss the agreement that removed a regional work requirement for British visitors.
Albanese met Burnham on Monday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the Caribbean. The talks come as Australian officials say more British travellers are staying in popular destinations, including Sydney, adding pressure to local workforces.
Previously, backpackers had to complete about three months of regional work under their visa conditions. A free trade agreement signed under Boris Johnson removed that requirement for Britons, extended the maximum visa period to three years and raised the age limit to 35.
The Australian government says traveller numbers more than doubled, from 40,000 two years ago to 87,000 last year. Most were concentrated in Sydney and nearby beachside suburbs. The eased rules also apply to Australians travelling to the UK, but fewer than 10,000 came last year.
Addressing parliament, Albanese said British visitors were working in hospitality around Bondi Beach, Coogee and other capital-city areas, putting pressure on local labour markets.
Burnham confirmed he was meeting Albanese but did not say whether visa changes would be discussed. A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders had discussed visas at a bilateral meeting in Antigua, but made no commitments. Their meeting statement said they had discussed opportunities for young people and broader migration issues, and would continue their discussions during the summit.
Sources: The Guardian World.