Labor Set to Abandon Plans to Cut Backpacker Numbers

More backpackers may be able to stay in Australia for longer as the government prepares to back down on its migration policy.

Labor Set to Abandon Plans to Cut Backpacker Numbers

TL;DR

  • The Australian government may backtrack on plans to reduce net migration.
  • Proposed changes included a ballot system for working holiday makers.
  • Caps on second-year visa places were set to decrease from 57,000 to 45,000.
  • A third-year cap of 5,000 was planned, down from 31,000.
  • Industry criticism has led to expected changes to the policy within weeks.