Albanese to discuss tighter UK Working Holiday Maker visa rules
UK backpacker numbers rose from about 47,000 in 2024 to nearly 80,000 last financial year, according to Home Affairs data reported by the ABC.
In short
- What changed
- The ABC reports Anthony Albanese will discuss tightening Working Holiday Maker visa rules for British backpackers with UK PM Andy Burnham at CHOGM this week. No rule change has been announced.
- From
- No date has been announced. The talks are due this week at CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Who it affects
- UK citizens on Working Holiday Maker visas in Australia, other working holiday makers, and agricultural and hospitality employers.
- What to do
- Check the Department of Home Affairs website for official updates and get advice about your own situation before making plans.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will discuss tightening Working Holiday Maker visa rules for British backpackers with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda this week, according to the ABC on 2 November 2026. No change has been announced, and no start date has been set.
How the current rules differ
According to the ABC, the UK free trade deal currently lets British backpackers stay in Australia for up to three years without having to do specific work. Other Working Holiday Maker visa holders must work in regional and rural areas if they want to extend their visas beyond a year.
Why the numbers matter
The ABC cites Home Affairs data showing UK backpacker numbers rose from about 47,000 in 2024 to nearly 80,000 in the last financial year.
A change in the government's position
The ABC reports that the planned discussions depart from what Mr Albanese told the ABC in August. At that time he said there would be no changes to the deal exempting British backpackers from regional work rules.
Other ideas already put forward
- According to the ABC, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke proposed in September a ballot and cap system.
- Under that proposal, second-year places would be capped at 45,000, and entering the ballot would require 88 days of regional work.
- Third-year places would be capped at 5,000, with a six-month regional work requirement.
- The ABC also reports that Nationals leader Matt Canavan said the Coalition would impose a fee on backpackers seeking a second or third year while working in a capital city.
The ABC has not reported what, if anything, will be agreed at CHOGM. Further details have not been announced.
What to do now
Treat these reports as general information only. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for official updates, and get advice about your own situation before making decisions about work or travel. Read the original report: ABC, "Albanese to discuss rule change for British backpackers".
What this means for you
- UK backpackers: nothing has changed yet, but the rules that apply to you are being discussed. Watch for official announcements.
- Other working holiday makers: your regional work requirement to extend beyond a year is not reported as changing.
- Employers in agriculture and hospitality: any change could affect the pool of backpacker workers, but nothing has been announced.
- Anyone planning a working holiday: check official sources before booking travel or committing to plans.
Updates
First published.
Questions people ask
Have the rules for British backpackers changed?
No. According to the ABC, Mr Albanese will only discuss tightening the rules with Andy Burnham at CHOGM this week. No change or start date has been announced.
How are British backpackers treated differently now?
The ABC reports that the UK free trade deal lets British backpackers stay up to three years without specific work. Other Working Holiday Maker visa holders must work in regional and rural areas to extend beyond a year.
What has been proposed so far?
The ABC reports Tony Burke proposed in September a ballot and cap system. It would cap second-year places at 45,000 with 88 days of regional work to enter the ballot, and third-year places at 5,000 with six months of regional work. Matt Canavan said the Coalition would impose a fee on backpackers seeking a second or third year while working in a capital city.
Have a question about your own situation?
Ask your questionGeneral information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often; check the official source and get advice about your own circumstances.