Albanese Rules Out Regional-Work Requirement for British Backpackers

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ruled out requiring British Working Holiday visa holders to complete regional work, saying their arrangements under the Australia–UK free trade agreement would be honored. UK passport holders may receive up to three subclass 417 visas without specified-work requirements for applications lodged since July 1, 2024, allowing a maximum three-year stay. Home Affairs data show UK grants rose 68.1%, from 47,238 in 2023–24 to 79,412 in 2024–25. The decision removes the proposal from a wider migration overhaul as the government seeks to reduce net overseas migration to about 225,000 by 2028.