The Department of Home Affairs has temporarily relaxed the cap on working hours for student visa holders employed at supermarkets to address a worker shortage during lockdown.
Supermarkets in lockdown regions will be allowed to employ international students for more than 40 hours a fortnight to prevent a staff shortage.
The temporary measure will initially apply to supermarkets across New South Wales and Victoria and their associated distribution facilities.
As a number of stores across Sydney are listed as exposure sites, many essential workers have been placed into self-isolation, reducing the workforce at a time of high demand for critical goods.
"Supermarket workers have been unsung heroes of the pandemic. They stepped up to ensure Australians have access to essential items, and they have kept doing so during the pandemic’s darkest days", Minister Hawke said in a media release on Saturday.
Please refer to Temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders for the latest updates.
Source: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/student-visa, 19 July 2021