Effective February 1, 2024, the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) — Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) has closed to new applicants. The Department of Home Affairs will continue to process all visa applications received before February 1, 2024.
Background of Australia’s Pandemic Event Visa
The Australian Government introduced the Pandemic Event visa in April 2020 to allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia lawfully while the border was closed. It also addressed labour shortages in critical sectors in the local economy.
Now that Australia’s borders are open and temporary visa holder numbers in Australia have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, the Pandemic Event visa is no longer required.
Maintaining Visa Validity
Visa holders should ensure they remain lawful if they wish to stay in Australia and are encouraged to use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to check their visa conditions and visa validity. Individuals who remain in Australia without a valid visa risk being detained and removed. They may also incur a debt to the Australian Government for the cost of their removal.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.