Australia’s visa backlog tops the priority

Australia’s visa backlog is exacerbating processing delays, prompting the new Labor government to declare the issue a top priority since taking office.

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that it has redirected resources and hired more personnel to address the issue.

However, there are still concerns that the gridlock will be difficult to overcome and will take time to resolve.

The Department of Immigration has described its response as creating a “surge capacity” of staff from across the department as well as the Australian Border Force.

The department refused to tell SBS News how many employees it had hired to help clear the backlog.

Former Deputy Secretary of Immigration Abul Rizvi stated that even with additional resources, resolving the problem would take time.

Joey Scandizzo, a Melbourne-based hairdresser, said his business is hoping skilled visa holders can assist them in recouping losses caused by the pandemic.

State and territory leaders have expressed concern about the visa backlog impeding efforts to address skill shortages. According to Fiona Simson, President of the National Farmers Federation, the agriculture sector is also facing a labour shortage.