August 31 2023:
COVID-19 SC 408 Staged Closure 1 Sep 2023

On 31 August 2023, the Australian Government announced the staged closure of the Subclass 408 Pandemic Event visa, with the first closure to take effect 2 September 2023.

The short notice is intentional, aimed at integrity measures for the visa program.

From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be open to existing Pandemic Event sc 408 visa holders.  Those visa holders can apply for a renewal, however the visa will be valid for 6 months only.  Higher visa application of $405AUD, and the subsequent temporary entry charge of $700AUD, will also apply.

From February 2024, SC 408 pandemic event visa will be *closed* to all applicants.

Visaholders and employers of SC 408 visaholders, will need to now consider other visa options to retain key staff. 

Important to know that anyone with a valid Pandemic Event SC 408 visa will remain lawful until their current visa expires.

Thought as to future proofing your workforce is essential.  Employers will need to consider other visas, to retain their staff beyond the visa expiry dates.

#408visa #workrights #workforcestrategy #workvisas